Top Gun

Yesterday has got to have been one of the funnest days I've had since the start of the school year, because I had the wonderful chance to go to the Alliance Air Show. Every year the local Joint Reserve Naval Air base puts on a air show. This year they combined it with the Alliance Airport's air show and gave everyone a chance to come out and see all the airplanes for free (if you don't count the 10 dollar fee for parking). Luckily, since my dad got some special armbands from his work, we where allowed to sit in the Lockheed section, which had a tent for shade in the morning and plenty of chairs. It was also positioned right in the middle of all the action, so we got a great view.

The air show had some of the coolest airplanes on display, including a American Airlines jet, World War I and II planes, different military transport and bombing planes, an F-15, F-18, MiG-15, and a couple F-16s (the planes my dad works on). They also had a really cool air acrobatic act, including the Bulldog...which was soooooo totally cool.

The Air show also included a F-15, which was amazing to watch...now let me tell you, nothing compares to the sound and the feel of one of those planes taking off (all though my mom does say the plane she used to work on in the Air Force where much louder). The ground shakes and you can just feel your heart pounding as the plane rumbles down the runway. You might think I'm crazy for thinking that was fun, but trust me, you have to experience it for yourself before you judge.

Also they had a F-18 fly, which is actually a naval aircraft since they are designed to land on aircraft carriers. It was quite neat because they showcased a one of the first naval airplanes along with the F-18, as a tribute to all those who served in the navy.

After that, they had a reenactment of Pearl Harbor, including planes of that era and mock bombs. It was quite touching to remember all those men and women who served and fought for the protection of our country. Did you know that, due to the lack of training, the average pilot did not live through more than two weeks of air battles. I found that an amazing and heart wrenching little fact.

Probably my second favorite part of the day was watching the F-16 from Lockheed Martin take to the air in all its glory. I have to say it made the F-15 and 18 look like nothing. It has some of the best maneuverability out of any of our modern planes. Boy, is it one cool fighter jet. I know the JSF is supposed to be the next top of the line plane...but I think I'll always love the F-16 and think of it as the best. The Air Force also had a special memorial flight, which included the F-16, F-15, and an older air force plane...it was quite amazing to think of how far this country has come in avionics.

But, probably the highlight and best part of the show was when the Thunderbirds took to the air. If you have no clue what the Thunderbirds are...then your missing out on an amazing airforce tradition. The Thunderbirds are the most elite group of pilots, flying the coolest Top Gun jet in the world, the F-16 Fighting Falcon (or the Viper as the pilots like to call it). The skill and pride of this US military tradition was moving, and inspiring. Most of the pictures up on this post are of the Thunderbirds taking to the air and performing some of the coolest flying stunts, including the bomb burst which is probably one of their most well known moves. (If you want the Thunderbirds history in a easier version and more cool pictures go here.)

Overall, I loved the Air Show and can't wait to go back next year. I now have a weirdly uneven sunburn, but it was well worth it! I'll just have to remember to wear more sunblock next year... ;-)