LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va –
The Air Force, Army and Navy teamed together to amaze visitors to Virginia Beach, April 22.
Together they put on the Joint Air Power Demonstration as part of Hampton Roads Air Force Week.
The F-22 Raptors, F-15 Eagles, Navy F/A-18s and HC-130 Hercules provided air support for the rescue, dispensed flares and maneuvered over the ocean as more than 1,000 visitors to Virginia Beach watched how the U.S. military conducts a combat rescue operation.
"I liked the fact the military is out here showing the people, who don't know anything about the military, what it can do," said Pam Norris, a visitor to the show.
On lookers peered from hotel balconies, lined the board walk and filled stands placed on the beach to watch the air show. Local elementary schools brought children to see the aerial demonstration.
"I have been to five air shows," said Jake Niland, 8. "I have never seen someone jump out of a plane before."
"The air show was really good, very impressive," said Josh Garber, 12. "My favorite part was when they dropped the people (out of the helicopter)."
The pararescue team came ashore to meet with visitors after the demonstration.
"They are very brave and cool," said Josh.
Visitors had the opportunity to meet Airmen at some of the displays set up to educate people about the Air Force.
"As far as the equipment goes, people love to see the robots and hear about what we do," said Airman 1st Class Adam Wickizer, 1st Civil Engineering Squadron explosive ordnance disposal flight. "Most people have never seen them in person and want to hear about how we can dismantle munitions remotely."
Spectators were able to handle the joy stick and move the arms of the different robots'. EOD also brought inactive land mines, grenades and various other weapons to show onlookers what they are up against.
"The demonstration is pretty exciting," said Maj. Joel Branosky, 1st Civil Engineering Squadron operations chief. "It's an opportunity for the Air Force to share with the general public all the attributes and contributions we have and can display. It gives us a chance to mingle with the community."