Air show history and importance

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Daniel Lile
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  In 1903, the Wright brothers had their first motorized flight in North Carolina. Just seven years later, in 1910, the first major "air fare" or air show took place in Los Angeles, Calif. The air show featured everything from gliders to hot air balloons. Air shows are still used today as a way for the Air Force to demonstrate air power and increase public relations.

"I think I was about eight when I saw my first air show," said Col. Jim Sears, 14th Flying Training Wing Commander. "It was a show at Dover AFB. I remember planes everywhere and watching the Thunderbirds."

The Thunderbirds are the Air Force's air demonstration team and fly often at air shows. The thunderbirds actually started as an active fighting unit in the Air Force in 1917 and did not become the air demonstration team we know today until 1953.

"I watched the news where the same aircraft I saw at the air show (F-111) was ordered by President Ronald Reagan in a bombing campaign against Libya," said Chief Master Sgt. Peter Speen, 14th Mission Support Group. "Watching this on TV inspired me to pursue a career in the Air Force."

Air shows are a vital part to our Air Force. They open doors to the public that can usually not be done.

"The air show does a couple things; it allows us to reach out to the public and show them what their Air Force does for them," said Sears. "It's one of the best ways to motivate the next generation of Airmen. Finally, we are able to show off Columbus AFB."

Through-out the years the roles and mission of the Air Force have changed; like-wise the roles and purpose of air shows have changed as well.

"The major difference I see in air shows over the years has been the increased emphasis on safety and family activities, to include the look at behind the scenes and not just the flying mission," aid Speen. "All important pieces of what we do that the public needs to know."

Since the Thunderbirds started air demonstration in 1953 to now, they have done an excellent job showing the world the strength of airpower. Now at Columbus AFB Airmen get to show of the
Thunderbirds and other great assets of the Air Force.

"I'm really impressed with the way the Airmen of Team Blaze have taken this opportunity to show off Columbus AFB and the world's greatest Air Force and run with it," said Sears. "This is going to be a great show and open house."