LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
One week from Friday, Langley's sky will be filled with aircraft, fireworks and the sound of children oohing and ahhing as AirPower over Hampton Roads 2007 kicks off.
The event is free and open to the public, with gates opening at 5 p.m. April 27 and at 9 a.m. April 28 and 29. People attending the show may access the base by the Armistead and LaSalle Avenue Gates. The King Street Gate will be reserved for volunteers and performers only, so attendees should plan accordingly.
"Langley provides air shows to enhance public knowledge of its mission, to increase recruiting and to show an appreciation to the Hampton Roads community," said Lt. Col. Robert DeStasio, air show director.
Friday's show will feature a free concert by Kansas, a night aerial show and fireworks.
Saturday's aerial events will include the West Coast F-15C Demonstration Team, West Coast A-10 Demo, a Heritage Flight featuring the F-22A, F-15, A-10 and a Korean War-vintage F-86 and the new F-22A Demonstration Team. Patty Wagstaff, Mike Goulian, the World War II B-17 used in the movie "Memphis Belle," and a host of other military and civilian performers throughout the day. The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will headline Saturday and Sunday. The E-Team Skydivers will also make several jumps.
"This is our best opportunity for our neighbors to come out and meet the men and women of today's Air Force and see all the swell hardware that helps keep America safe," said Vic Johnston, 1st Fighter Wing chief of community relations. "It's also an extremely valuable tool for our area Air Force recruiters, who will be on hand to tell young men and women what it takes to 'Cross into the Blue.'"
On the ground, visitors will get to see many static aircraft displays, including an F-22A, F-16, B-52, B-1, the B-25 Panchito and several C-130s. NASA will have their Exploration Trailer and the Moon and Mars Experience on display. There will also be a re-enlistment ceremony, which will be held on the flightline before the Thunderbirds' performance Friday at 1:20 p.m.
While the air show is free, there will also be an all-day buffet available for purchase. Tickets for the buffet are available at Langley's air show site, which can be found at www.langleyairshow.com. Additionally, vendors will be selling food, beverages and a variety of souvenirs.
For security reasons, air show visitors are not permitted to bring firearms, knives (including pocket knives and all purpose tools), backpacks, coolers and large bags.
Purses, diaper bags (if accompanying a child), camera bags and lawn chairs will be searched before they are allowed onto the show grounds. Smoking is only permitted in designated areas. For more information, call 764-LAFB (5232) or visit www.langley.af.mil.