Sunday, September 14, 2008

For the United States Air Force It Is ALL About Air Superiority...Every American Should Take Their Family To An Air Show


IT WAS ALL ABOUT THE USA AND WHAT KEEPS US FREE

ALL EYES WERE FACING THE FLY OVERS AT MT. HOME (IDAHO) AIR FORCE BASE THIS WEEKEND. HERE I AM WITH GRAND-DAUGHTER, SADIE (3).

When the first set of F-15s flew by my eyes teared with pride as the thundering sound of freedom boomed by the stands. It was an awesome experience!

THIS F-22 "RAPTOR" WAS DOWN FROM ELMENDORF A.F.B.(ALASKA) WHERE THE MASTHEAD PHOTO WAS TAKEN. THE RAPTOR IS BASED IN ALASKA BECAUSE THAT IS THE PLACE THAT IS SHORTEST DISTANCE TO ANY OF TODAY'S POTENTIAL AREAS OF CONFLICT

This weekend was the much-anticipated two-day airshow at Mountain Home Air Force Base (Idaho). The base is home to the 366th Fighter Wing and my son, Captain John Roach.

John Writes:
"The 366th flies two types of F-15s, the single-seat C model and the two-seat E model. (The "F" in the name of the airplane model...is for FIGHTER.)

The F-15C "Eagle" has an air superiority mission and is the most lethal airplane in the world excepting only our new F-22 "Raptor" (which is absolutely untouchable).

The F-15E "Strike Eagle" is a multi-role jet that has a weapons systems operator (WSO) in the back seat that handles the targeting of ground targets. The C model is purely air-to-air and is lighter and a bit more maneuverable. The E model has longer range and carries mostly bombs, but it can fight its way in to targets and back out with missiles."

Thank you, John, for this level of detail. You were a great guide at the show.

The air show started with the Air Force Academy parachute team jumping out of a C-17. The National anthem played as a giant flag unfurled from the lead parachutist's leg.

There was a battle demonstration and real firepower laid waste to the desert near the airstrip. A rescue mission with air cover was demonstrated.

There were many displays and all branches of the service were represented: Bradly All Terrain Vehicles, unmanned drone missiles, older planes from previous eras, etc.

For air buffs, we saw:
C-130, F-15 (flying by), P-51, barnstormer, biplane, F-16, F-15s, C-17, C-130, KC-135, KC-10 (KC = refueler), F-22 (didn't fly), T-6, T-38 (T = trainer)Navy: EA-6B, F-18 Hornet, Super Hornet (Blue Angel type)

McCord A.F.B. had a great show this year. Watch your calendars for the next season. Don't miss the opportunity!

1 comment:

Claire Roach said...

Yes, I agree the air show was very inspiring. I think that everyone who attended couldn't help but be proud to be an American.