'Gateway to the West' embraces Air Force

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SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. (AFPN) --  The B-2 will join the Thunderbirds and other Air Force aircraft Thursday as part of a week-long air power celebration in St. Louis.

St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay will sign a decree Monday proclaiming the week "Air Force Week" in St. Louis.

As part of an effort by Air Force officials to help raise public awareness of the service's operations, capabilities and support of the war on terror, while showcasing its Airmen and thanking friends in the area for their support, they selected St. Louis to host this inaugural event.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley encourages everyone in the greater St. Louis area to come out and enjoy the Air Force Week activities, including the open house and air show at nearby Scott Air Force Base, Ill., Aug. 12 and 13.

"These activities provide a remarkable opportunity for the Air Force to demonstrate the pride and professionalism of the greatest air and space force the world has ever known," he said.

St. Louis, when an Airman from Scott AFB will throw out the first pitch at the St. Louis Cardinals - Milwaukee Brewers baseball game. F-15 Eagles from the Missouri Air National Guard's 131st Fighter Wing at Lambert Field will fly over Busch Stadium.

Other events scheduled during the week include:
--Appearances at the St. Louis Science Center by an Air Force officer who is a NASA astronaut Tuesday; an Air Force pilot from the IMAX movie "Fighter Pilot: Operation Red Flag" Wednesday; and members of the Air Force's precision flying team, the Thunderbirds, Thursday.

--A "Salute to the Air Force" Tuesday at the Gateway Grizzlies game against the Traverse City Beach Bums in Sauget, Ill., will include a C-17 Globemaster III flyover.

--A flyover of downtown St. Louis on Thursday will include a B-2 Spirit, a C-130 Hercules, a KC-135 Stratotanker and the Thunderbirds.

In addition to the Thunderbirds, the open house will include fighter and transport aircraft flybys, parachute jumps, numerous static displays and other demonstrations. The event is free and open to the public.