Andrew Knittle
The Norman Transcript
OKLAHOMA CITY
May 21, 2008 10:07 pm
—
Tinker Air Force Base is expecting more than 100,000 people to show up on its radar Saturday as the base hosts the 11th annual Star Spangled Salute to commemorate Memorial Day.
The free event will run from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and feature an array of aircraft, including an AV-8 Harrier, the Red Eagle Stunt Planes, a P-51 Mustang and the AWACS survellience craft commonly seen jetting across the horizon in this part of Oklahoma.
And while all of those machines are impressive enough on their own, event spokeswoman Jennifer Lacy said the public shows up in droves to see The Thunderbirds, the U.S. Air Force's elite air demonstration team since 1953.
"The Thunderbirds are the most popular event among the public, so this year the focus will be on them, as usual," Lacy said.
Chris Moler, director of sponsorship and special events for the air show, said watching the Thunderbirds perform was similar to watching a Nascar race live.
"Any time you see jets flying and the speed with which they travel, it captures the imagination - it's fun and unique entertainment," Moler said. "You can go to 50 concerts in a summer, but Tinker only opens their doors to show the public what they doing once a year, and this is it."
Making its first-ever appearance at Tinker is the AV-8 Harrier, a craft made famous by the film True Lies and its extensive use in the first Gulf War in 1990.
"That's why people love coming to air shows, they get to see planes they'll normally never get to see," Moler said.
Lacy also noted the Harrier, an aircraft with the capacity to takeoff vertically without the aid of a runway, doesn't show itself too often - at least not in public.
“The Harriers do a limited number of public events around the country, so this rare," Lacy said.
The Harrier will perform twice; once during the day and again that night with an accompanying pyrotechnics show.
Another popular demostration among the public is the re-enacment of the Japanese strike on Pearl Harbor, called "Tora, Tora, Tora." Featuring real explosions, live aircraft and accurate recreations of the attacks, Lacy said people have traditionally enjoyed the perfomance for its visceral qualities.
Aside from the Thunderbirds and all the other noisy, gas-guzzling machines performing from noon to 6:30, there is still plenty to do for both kids and adults.
At 10 a.m., native Oklahoman and former Miss America Lauren Nelson will be at the base signing autographs in front of P-51 Mustang and just before the flying demostration begins at noon, the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard will perform inside one of the base's massive hangars.
Not to be forgotten, there is also a large children's area staffed by a volunteer group that will include face painting, an assortment of inflatable toys and other games, Moler said.
And instead of a fireworks display to close the day, a group of "talented performers who happen to be airmen and airwomen" called the Tops in Blue will perform a variety show as the event's finale.
"These individuals are talented and had to try out to be able to perform and they do so all over the world," Moler said. "It's actually really funny at times."
Lacy said traffic could be an issue at times and parking for air show will be available on site, but is very limited.
"We are advising the public to use the GM plant shuttle service, it's totally free, involves much less walking and they can avoid traffic around I-40," she said.
Once inside the base and out on the tarmac, Lacy said those in attendance need to take precautions to protect against the sun and lack of shaded areas.
"Wear a hat, bring plenty of sunscreen and keep yourself hydrated," she said. "Also, bring lawn chairs because seating is limited."
No personal coolers will allowed on base, but food and drink will be on sale inside. Smoking is strictly prohibited and the public is also adivsed to bring along earplugs if they are sensitive to loud noise, Lacy said.
For further information about this year's Star Spangled Salute, visit www.starspangledsalute.com.
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