Freedom's Call Tattoo Wright Patterson AFB

Dayton, OH June 29, 2007

Photography and story by Dave Gore

  Thousands gathered to the Museum of the U.S. Air Force to celebrate our nation’s birthday, and enjoy a wonderful aerial display of aircraft and fireworks. This was the third annual Tattoo for the Air Force Material Command, which helped celebrate the “Heritage to Horizon’s” of the U.S. Air Force and its 60th Anniversary.

  There were many things for the family to enjoy. The evening included festive music by “Tops in Blue” and the U.S. Air Force Band of Flight. Other activities included enlistments, media presentations, and much, much more. 

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  The flying portion of the show began with the replica Wright B Flyer, and historical aircraft which included the P-51 Mustang “Excalibur”, the B-25 “Miss Mitchell”, the C-47 “The Black Sparrow”, the C-54 ”Spirit of Freedom”, two T-28 Trojan’s, and the Warbird Heritage Foundation’s F-86 Sabre. Most of the aircraft made several flyby’s to the enjoyment of the crowd. Then it was time to move on to the modern inventory of the U.S. Air Force. With a later start, the setting sun made for a beautiful backdrop, and the aircraft all looked like silhouettes moving across the sky. Kicking things off was the F-117 Nighthawk, and then on to the C-130 Hercules, KC-135 Stratotanker, C-5 Galaxy, B-52 Stratofortress, C-17 Globemaster III, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-15 Eagle and last but not least the F-22 Raptor. The F-16 and F-15 both made two brilliant burner passes, but the Raptor was the undisputed star of the show, completing two full burner passes and vertical climbs showing off its maneuverability to the delight of everyone in attendance. Rounding out the action packed evening was the Tattoo’s largest fireworks display.

  This years Tattoo was a great way to start off the 4th of July holiday. There could not have been a better way to do it than with music, fun, warbirds, jets and fireworks.