Lackland 2008 - Mission Accomplished

Story by Eric Renth 

       The 2008 Lackland Airfest was held at the old Kelly Field flight line on Nov 1 and 2, 2008.  The headliners were the US Navy Blue Angels and it was a great, well put on show, folks.  No letdowns here!

       The static displays were a great part of this equation.  Modern military included the C130J Hercules, C17 Globemaster, C-5 Galaxy, KC-10 Extender, F/A-18F Super Hornet, F-16 Viper, HH-60 Pave Hawk, T-6 Texan II and T-1A Jayhawk.  Warbirds included the P-47 Jug, AT-6 Texan, the beautiful P-38 Lightning "Glacier Girl", B-25 Mitchell and P-40 Warhawk.  I had the pleasure of talking to pilot Capt. Brain Wehmayer and loadmaster SSgt David Grant with the C-17.  Based out of Altus, they both stated that while many think their base is out in the middle of nowhere, the flying space is second to none.  Altus will also gain the training mission for whichever design (Boeing or Airbus) will become the new USAF tanker..      

        Flying started with a demonstration of the Lackland combat control team  as they parachuted .out of a Navy MH-53 Sea Stallion helicopter. Next, the Army Golden Knights parachute team dropped in with their fine flair.  Truly they are an airshow icon.

Next came the great Greg Poe in his ethanol powered Fagen MX2 monoplane.  This formidable, sky-stalking, sleek bird in the hands on an expert makes for a great performance.  Performing with Greg during part of his routine was the inspirational Dan Buchanon in his hang glider.  Dan may be paraplegic, but his "life goes on" and "I don't need government handouts"  attitude should get him on the Jay Leno show.  After he landed, he came and talked to the audience and signed autographs.  The afterburners came on when the F-15E Strike Eagle made a nice and loud appearance.  The Marines were next as the vertical take off  AV-8B Harrier II showed its high speed characteristics along with being able to hover to a standstill.  I hope the Marines  will put a demo team together for the MV-22 Osprey in the future.  Then came the F110 powered F-16C East Coast Demo Team out of Shaw AFB, SC.  It is never dull to watch the Viper turn on a dime, folks.  It's no wonder that it's still in production.  Then came the all volunteer, always inspiring Tora! Tora! Tora!  Reenactment of the Pearl Harbor Attack.  This living history museum has brought American and Japanese veterans together to celebrate the spirit of true friendship that now exists between our two nations.

         Next came the best part of the flying, in my opinion.  Yes, the F-16 Viper is impressive but make way for the twin Pratt and Whitney F119 engine "bad to the bone" Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor, Pilot Major Paul "Max" Moga showed mastery of the Raptor as it was put thru its paces.  Yes, it was nice and loud and extremely maneuverable.  You have to see for yourself what this new air superiority fighter can do.  The crew was out of Langley in a Raptor borrowed from Tyndall AFB.  I think of a movie line that I once heard after seeing the Raptor, "there are four of us and thirty of them.  You know, I feel sorry for them thirty guys!"   After the Raptor landed, I talked with team chief SSgt Gabe Sistrunk, who said he is thrilled to help show off the super fighter.  We are in good hands with young men and women like him.  Before landing, the F-22 joined up with the F-16C and F-15E plus the P-40 Warhawk piloted by retired Navy Captain Dale "Snort" Snodgrass for the outstanding Heritage Flight Formation.  Next came the Air Force Reserve Biplane piloted by AF Reserve Lt.Col. and F-16 instructor Ed Hamill.  Maneuvers included several high energy, jaw dropping tumbles and low passes.  More great flying, indeed.

      Then came the finale, the Blue Angels.  Their Marine C-130 Fat Albert did a JATO rocket take off followed by several high speed passes.  Earlier in the day I had the opportunity to talk to Jan Blake and Pete Carnecelli in their public affairs division.  Their enthusiasm sure came thru.  They kindly introduced me to Blue Angel #5, lead solo pilot LtCdr Craig Olson.  He is in his fifth year and second tour with the team.  He was telling me that they will start converting to the F/A-18C and D models of the Hornets after their 2008 season concludes and answered other questions regarding the Blues and the Hornet.  A true gentleman, indeed.  Their earlier F/A-18A models made a very good closing account of themselves.  It's hard to believe that the Blues have flown the F/A-18A for 21 years.  It has served them well.  Their maintenance folks are second to none.  

        Another great one for the books.  A special thank you to Mr. Oscar Balladares of Lackland Public Affairs for his great help.