The latest Dyess airshow was held on May 1st, 2010. I have been to several at Dyess before (including back when I stationed there in the mid-70s) but let me say this was the best one that Dyess has done! This show was special to the Dyess community as it was the 25th celebration of B-1 Lancer operations USAF wide and at Dyess, and quite a few generals were in attendance. Another celebration was the late April arrival of the first Dyess based stretched C-130J Hercules direct from the LockheedMartin factory at Marietta Georgia. Twenty eight of the J models will be based at Dyess by 2012.

  To me, the static displays are an integral part of the airshow and the line up here was impressive. Two Dyess based B-1 Bones were there along with an impressive array of practice examples of the weapons the Lancer can carry. Of course, the recently delivered C-130J was on display along with an older C-130H which the J is replacing. Three F-16 Vipers, three F-15 Eagles, an MQ-1 Predator drone, T-45 Goshawk, two T-6 Texan II (one Navy, one AF), a B-52 Buff, T-1 Jayhawk, AH-64 Apache gunship, two A-10 Warthogs, a C-17 Globemaster and KC-135 tanker from Altus AFB OK , plus a T-38 Talon rounded out the modern displays. Warbird displays included the AD5 Skyraider, B-25 Maitchell, C-45 Expiditor, F4F Wildcat, T6 Texan, J2K and B-24 "ol 927" plus the classic C-47 Gooneybird plus the 50s classics Lockheed T-33 and T-34 Mentor.

  The flying part started with a high speed B-1 pass, followed by the AF Academy Wings of Blue parachute team exiting a C-130. Another C-130 followed with an impressive airdrop demo as the T-34 Texas Twisters followed with a very nice demonstration. Another Bone took off with the intent of making a time to climb world record and they definitely succeeded to the cheers of the crowd. An Altus based KC-135 and C-17 followed an outstanding as low level as you can go air refueling demo. The C-17 then came back in formation with a Little Rock based C-130J and CAF C-47 Heritage flight formation. The C130J then followed with a capability demo that showed its short take off ability. Awesome, folks! A wardbird flyby with the Wildcat and Skyraider came next. Next came the great bomber pass in review with the Bone, Liberator and Mitchell. The CAF then did their never dull Tora! Tora! Tora! Pearl Harbor reenactment. This should be required viewing for all US High School history classes as we do have a tendency to forget things. The T-33 demo brought the 50s back, as many US air bases back then has at least a few Tbirds assigned. Ashley Battles came next with her Stearman wing walking act and is a true professional. She is followed by Debbie Rihn's Harvey acrobatics.

  The climax of the show were the USAF Thunberbirds in their new Block 52 F-16C Vipers with the upgraded and most powerful P&W F100-229 engines. More thrust with these engines really seemed to give the Thunderbirds more than the "Ooomph" they already have. The Block 50 and 52 Vipers are the top of the line. To watch Thunderbird 6 do a solo routine highlighting the Viper's tight turning capability is a sight to behold. The only drawback to the overall show was the low level routine due to gray skies leftover from Friday night rains.

  Dyess really outdid themselves and excellence was on parade. A special thanks to 2LT William Mojica, Senior Airman Brett Reyes, and Ssgt Tanya Bowen of the Dyess Public Affairs office for their help and hospitality. Thanks, ya'll Eric Renth