75 Years of Airpower: the 2016 Aviation Nation Air Show highlights

The Aviation Nation Air Show also featured the final performance of the year for the United States Air Force Thunderbirds

As explained by Airman 1st Class Kevin Tanenbaum, 99th Air Base Wing Public Affairs in his article Aviation Nation highlights “75 Years of Airpower,” Aviation Nation, Nellis Air Force Base (AFB) air show and open house, took place on Nov. 12-13, showing off numerous acts from past and present while giving the community the chance to interact with Airmen.

“Nellis, Creech and the Nevada Test and Training Range have enjoyed decades of support from the communities across Southern Nevada,” said Col. Paul Murray, 99th Air Base Wing commander. “The open house and air show is just one way to give back and show our gratitude for all the support the community provides to our Airmen.”

Noteworthy the air show offered members from the community and those who travelled from abroad for a chance to view multiple acts and experience the unique aspects of what occurs at Nellis AFB.

“Ranging from Vicky Benzing’s 1940 World War II Stearman, to present day 5th Generation fighters like the F-22 and F-35, variety and heritage are showcased this year,” explained Murray. “With more than 100 static displays bringing in everything from a DC 10 water drop, to a smoke and thunder jet car, and of course our Nellis capabilities featuring air-to-air and air-to-ground demos.”

By means of these acts and air shows static displays, the U.S. Air Force (USAF) strengthens its bonds with the surrounding community.

“There are many aerial acts and static aircraft during the Nellis Air Show which are snapshots of aviation history,” pointed out Murray. “The air show gives Nellis AFB an opportunity to demonstrate the Air Force’s mission and military capabilities, as well as the skill and professionalism of the Airmen assigned here.”

Actually the biennial open house included demonstrations from many exciting aircraft including F-18 Hornet, F-22 Raptor, F-35 Lightning II, F-86 Sabre, C-17 Globemaster, and the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.

The airshow also featured static displays of aircraft such as A-10 Thunderbolt, C-5 Galaxy, B-1B Lancer, CH-47 Chinook, HH-60 Pave-Hawk, KC-10 Extender, P-51 Mustang, MV-22 Osprey, MQ-1 and MQ-9 drones and many more.

To strengthen this relationship, the 2016 Aviation Nation “75 Years of Airpower” Air Show played host to a record number of attendees from all around the globe, and also featured the final performance of the year for the United States Air Force Thunderbirds.

“This event also marks the end of the air show season for the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron ‘Thunderbirds’ who will thrill their hometown crowd with precision and professionalism,” said Murray.

According to Jones, Aviation Nation played host to more than 300,000 spectators from the community.

Photo credit: U.S. Air Force