This year’s Airpower Over the Midwest was held September 11-12 at Scott AFB, IL.  Attendance was high, especially on Sunday, when the weather was perfect for flying.  After a two decade absence, the Blue Angels returned to Scott AFB with a robust routine that kept the crowds in rapt attention throughout the performance.   The variety of performers and static displays provided something of interest for young and old alike.

A variety of aircraft were on display, including Scott’s own C-21, C-9, C-40 and KC-135.  Traditional favorites, C-5M, C-130J, KC-10 and C-17 heavies were also on hand, along with F-16, T-6 Texan II, T-1 Jayhawk, T-45 and a T-38 from Whiteman AFB, MO.  Of special interest were a ski-equipped LC-130, 2 AH-1W Super Cobras back from Mideast service, and an F/A-18 Aggressor from VFC-12.  Warbirds on display included SNV-1 “California Girl,” a C-45H, Clyde Zellers’ SNJ-5, an AT-6F and B-25 “Show Me.”  Inside Hangar 1, various organizations were represented, including Civil Air Patrol, St. Louis Soaring Association and Greater St. Louis Air & Space Museum located at St. Louis Downtown Airport in Cahokia, IL.

The aerial demonstrations from the World War II era aircraft featured “Tora! Tora! Tora!” team reenactment of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and the B-25 “Show Me” simulating the Doolittle Raid on Tokyo.  The Cold War era was represented by Greg Colyer’s T-33 “Ace Maker,” Fighter Jets MiG-17 flown by David Macaluso, and the F-4 East Team QF-4E Phantom II flown by Ltc. Greg Blount.  Captain Ryan Corrigan from Viper East Demonstration Team flew his solo routine, and was later joined the QF-4E for the Heritage Flight.  Scott’s own C-21 and C-9 aircraft also made several pattern circuits, and a visiting C-17 was put through its paces.  Civilian performers included Jason Newburg in his Pitts S-2S and Matt Chapman flying the CAP 231EX.  Scott AFB favorites, the Golden Knights, performed twice, and of course, the Blue Angels kept the crowd cheering until the end.