This weekend was the Dyess Airshow. We missed it last year, due to being in Ohio to pick Brydon up, so it was exciting to see our first Airshow as members of the military. Brydon had to work all day inspecting food booths and being a medic in case of a catastrophe, but we did get a chance to walk around with him for a little while. Caleb loved getting to go inside all the different airplane! I enjoyed watching the airplanes and getting to see them in action. Fortunately the weather cooled down from our 103 degrees earlier in the week and it was only in the high 80's. It was a beautiful, sunny day and we had a great time being proud of the amazing things our military can do.
Checking out the C-17 with our new friend Landan. This plane can hold up to 6 T-Rex's and is HUGE! Caleb loved getting to push buttons and sit in the pilot seat.
The back of the C-130. It felt much bigger when I rode in one in the fall, but after the C-17 it seems pretty small. Caleb loved getting to go inside the plane I got to fly in.
The B-1 was available to climb up and just look inside the cockpit. It is rare to see this plane opened up for viewing. Caleb was excited to go check it about but decided that the stairs were a little steep and very scary.
The B-2 is a pretty amazing airplane. It looks like a bat or a spaceship and is so quiet. It was fun to actually see one in the air! Apparently the real treat of the day was seeing the new F-22. It is meant to replace the F-16 but is such a fast, hard airplane to fly that pilots physically struggle to fly it. Their bodies can't handle its abilities. Obviously a very manly airplane! At the very end of the day, the F-22 did get to do an unrestricted take off. Many of the Airmen (my husband included) are still a bit giddy about getting to see that plane in action.
Checking out the Marine vehicles. Every boy wants to drive a truck like that!
One of the airplane stunt man. I can't even imagine what it would be like to fly around like that. I think I would be sick!
The Army Paratroopers! They put on a great show and are amazing at what they do.
It is fun to see all the different airplanes and get to watch a piece of history.
Of course we have to show off the B-1. Dyess's claim to fame! This is a sight we see almost daily living on base but it was a treat to see them land and show off a bit. It is a "sexy" aircraft that has dropped over half of the bombs used in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Just a fly-by with this plane is enough to humble the enemy.
Tora, Tora, Tora
The highlight of the Airshow for me was a presentation called Tora, Tora, Tora. It featured 9 Japanese fighters who performed a reenactment of the bombing on Pearl Harbor. A narrator talked about that fateful morning while sirens blared, planes dived and swarmed, and bombs exploded on the ground. We were told stories of heroism, death, and irony. In the end they described how America came together to fight in World War II to defend democracy. It was an amazing show of arms and a unique glimpse of history. And yep, pretty much had me in tears! Especially as they addressed the men and women currently fighting and how proud we are of our amazing men and women in the Armed Forces. It all hits very close to home now.
Nothing like a fantastic Airshow to make you proud to be an American and a member of the
United States Air Force!
I had a bad attitude about going this year, but Tora, Tora, Tora was a highlight for me too! And, you weren't the only one in tears! :)
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