Andrews Open to Flying Fans

[Otis Willie]

Andrews Open to Flying Fans

(EXCERPT) Annual Event Showcases Military Might, Patriotism, by Nurith
C. Aizenman Washington Post Staff Writer Sunday, May 16, 2004; Page
C01

Overhead, jet fighters streaked through a cloudless sky -- steel-gray
bodies glinting in the sun, engines booming reminders of U.S. military
might.

But on the ground yesterday at the annual air show at Andrews Air
Force Base, the talk was of U.S. troops under siege, not ju...

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---------------------------
Otis Willie
Associate Librarian
The American War Library
http://www.americanwarlibrary.com

[Jeb Hoge]

Otis Willie > wrote in message >...
> Andrews Open to Flying Fans
>
> (EXCERPT) Annual Event Showcases Military Might, Patriotism, by Nurith
> C. Aizenman Washington Post Staff Writer Sunday, May 16, 2004; Page
> C01
>
> Overhead, jet fighters streaked through a cloudless sky -- steel-gray
> bodies glinting in the sun, engines booming reminders of U.S. military
> might.

I went out there today...a few thoughts...

Great show, although the Navy/Corps seemed underrepresented this time
around. One little Hornet on static, no Super Bug, one Harrier, and a
Prowler. USAF had two Strike Eagles, one Charlie Eagle, an F-16, an
F-117, B-1, B-52, F/A-22 (I'll get to that in a second), C-5, C-17,
KC-10...you get the picture.

MV-22 was on static...very interesting. The nacelles are enormous,
bigger than I'd expected for in person, and comparatively, the
fuselage itself is smaller. I'm 6'4" and had zero head clearance. I
can't imagine how easy it is for taller Marines to negotiate charging
off the back ramp, although I suppose that's what helmets are for.
The crew dog inside said that all the pilots love flying it...very
stable and easy.

The F/A-22 was parked next to a F-35 mockup, but the Raptor was the
real deal. It had two M-16 armed skycops camped out in the shade
under a wing. Weapons bays were open but no inerts to show. The HUD
was completely covered. I did notice little diamond-shaped windows in
the lower fuselage even with the cockpit...asked a crewchief "What are
those little windows for?" and he said "I guess they're just little
windows." Also, the thrust vectors were parked in that
top-up/bottom-down widemouth position, but also covered. They said
that the Raptor will be showing a LOT more next year. Maybe even
flying shows. I overheard that tidbit from one pilot (I assume, he
was in a bag instead of fatigues), and he followed up with "and
everyone will have their jaws on the ground if we do."

Air displays were good. B-1B, C-17, F-16, F/A-18F, A-10, Herks,
Snowbirds, F-117 (louder than I'd expected). I left before the Blues
flew.

[BUFDRVR]

Jeb Hoge wrote:

>I went out there today...a few thoughts...
>

I was there too..

>MV-22 was on static...very interesting.

I talked with one of the pilots and one crew chief. I was unaware they were
operational with the Corps.....although their squadron designation was still
VM*X*.

>I overheard that tidbit from one pilot (I assume, he
>was in a bag instead of fatigues), and he followed up with "and
>everyone will have their jaws on the ground if we do."

If you want to see jaws dropping due to the F/A-22, stop by Capitol hill
anytime Monday-Friday and the bring up the topic of the F/A-22 (and its cost)
with congressman, senators or their staffers ;)

>Air displays were good. B-1B

The tribute to Col. Morgon was very touching....at least to us bomber guys.


BUFDRVR

"Stay on the bomb run boys, I'm gonna get those bomb doors open if it harelips
everyone on Bear Creek"

[Jeb Hoge]

(BUFDRVR) wrote in message >...
> Jeb Hoge wrote:

> >Air displays were good. B-1B
>
> The tribute to Col. Morgon was very touching....at least to us bomber guys.

Oh, I missed that. :( I had seen the news of his passing that
morning and had idly wondered if there'd be a B-17 on the line at
Andrews.

[BUFDRVR]

Jeb Hoge wrote:

>> >Air displays were good. B-1B
>>
>> The tribute to Col. Morgon was very touching....at least to us bomber guys.
>
>Oh, I missed that. :( I had seen the news of his passing that
>morning and had idly wondered if there'd be a B-17 on the line at

After the Bone performed it's fly-bys, it departed and waited for another demo,
a civilian one. After the civilian demo, they announced the passing of Col.
Morgan, asked everone to rise, read the poem "High Flight" and played taps as
the Bone did a low speed pass. I thought it was a great tribute.


BUFDRVR

"Stay on the bomb run boys, I'm gonna get those bomb doors open if it harelips
everyone on Bear Creek"