PDA

View Full Version : Thousands visit flight line for 54th Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show



thedrifter
10-12-09, 08:39 AM
Thousands visit flight line for 54th Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show

10/9/2009 By Lance Cpl. Justis T. Beauregard , Marine Corps Air Station Miramar

The air station hosted the 55th annual Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show, themed “A Salute to Teamwork,” on the flight line Oct. 2, 3 and 4.

More than 750,000 people attended the air show, which was voted “Best Air Show” in 2007 by the International Council of Air Shows.

One of the highlights of the show was the demonstration of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force capabilities. Aircraft from the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing provided troop transport and fire support as the air combat element of the MAGTF. The Marines of 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division were the ground combat element of the MAGTF and shook hands with the crowd as they walked across the flight line after the demonstration.

This year was the first time the Canadian Forces’ nine-plane Snowbirds Demonstration Team, performed at the MCAS Miramar air show. A returning favorite was the U.S. Navy’s Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, which has performed in many of MCAS Miramar’s air shows over the past 50 years.

Another part of the show was the F-16 “Fighting Falcon” that flew in a legacy flight with a World War II era P-51 “Mustang.”

“The F-16 blew me away because it’s quick, agile, loud and maneuverable,” said Timothy White, from Orange County. “The Blue Angels are amazing, but the F-16 is a knockout. The show was a blast, and you guys do a great job.”

During the three days of the air show visitors saw military and civilian aircraft and vehicles, with more than 300 static displays, including vintage aircraft from the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum.

Recruiters from each U.S. Military branch showed visitors what the military has to offer. Visitors did pull-ups to earn prizes like stickers and shirts at the Marine recruiting display. The Navy had a tank that let visitors watch divers underwater and the Army brought the Virtual Army Experience which has a state-of-the-art Army training simulation that displays different parts of Army life.

“It is an extraordinary team effort for 2,000 Marines and 2,000 civilians to put on the largest military air show,” said Irma Malabanan, the marketing director for MCAS Miramar Marine Corps Community Services. “We are happy to give attendees a chance to see the air show and experience being on the air station.”

Ellie