Selfridge ANGB July 21-22, 2007

Photography and story by Shawn Yost

 

Selfridge Air National Guard Base celebrated its 90th anniversary during their bi-annual airshow on July 21-22, 2007. Located just outside of Mount Clemens, Michigan, Selfridge Field was commissioned in 1917, and is named after Lieutenant Thomas E. Selfridge, the first fatality of powered flight.  Today, Selfridge Air National Guard Base is on the only bases in the country to host all five of the military services.

 

            Like the host airfield, the airshow was a diverse blend of aviation performers. The Army’s Golden Knights opened the show with a flag drop closely followed by a fly-by of aircraft stationed at Selfridge including the F-16, KC-135, and HH-65. A-10s from the 110th FW stationed at Battle Creek, Michigan also participated. Jim LeRoy, Jurgis Kairys, and Skip Stewart performed solo routines, and later teamed up with Rich Gibson of Rich’s Incredible Pyro to perform their Tinstix of Dynamite routine. Brett Hunter, Michael Hunter, and Gene Soucy/Teresa Stokes also performed.

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  Randy Ball’s MiG-17 and several other vintage jets flew as the warbird segment of the show. Today’s frontline air power was demonstrated by Maj. Al “Jewel” Kennedy and Capt. Jack “Woody” Stallworth in the USAF F-15E Strike Eagle and Lt. Dave “SH8” Cassalia and Lt. Josh “Jtita” Hammond in the USN F/A-18F Rhino (Super Hornet). Both strike fighters awed the crowd with their sheer performance. The F-15 also participated in the Heritage Flight with Vlaldo Lenoch in his P-51 Mustang “Moonbeam McSwine.”

 

  The USAFR demonstrated the newest cargo aircraft, the C-17 Globemaster III. The aircraft was impressive considering the jet’s size, and near fighter like handling characteristics. The display concluded with a demonstration of the aircraft’s amazing short field capabilities.

 

  Newcomers for the 2007 airshow season, the U.S. Army Sky Soldiers, headlined the show. Flying four AH-1F Cobra gunship helicopters, the pyro enhanced performance consists of formation and solo routines demonstrating tactics and skills used by today’s Army helicopter pilots. The Cobra’s large rotor makes formation flying challenging, but the U.S. Army Sky Soldiers fly as tight as their aircraft allow. Although retired by the Army, the Cobra still looks menacing in the team’s gloss black and gold paint scheme. Overall, the group’s performance is outstanding and different, making them a must see act.