Wings Over Whiteman scheduled for this weekend

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Torey Griffith
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  The skies over Whiteman AFB will be full of excitement Saturday and Sunday as a host of performers take to the skies, wowing spectators at the Wings Over Whiteman air show and open house.

The fun begins at 9 a.m., both days, and show attendees can enter through the Lemay gate, South of the base on Route 23, or the Arnold gate from State street in Knob Noster. To enter from the Spirit gate, the main entrance to Whiteman, all persons must have a valid military ID, or a visitor's pass.

The best way to get to the show is to hitch a ride aboard a free shuttle bus, which will carry passengers to and from the Warrensburg high school parking lot. Security checks for the shuttle will be accomplished at the high school parking lot, and the bus will deliver its passenger directly to the action on the flight line. The bus will continuously run all day.

For the security of all attendees, several items are prohibited at the air show. Knives of any size, coolers, backpacks, large bags and pets are not allowed on base or on the shuttle. Glass bottles are not allowed, but plastic is okay.

A host of vendors will be on hand to provide refreshment and delicious food as attendees enjoy the show.

In the air, the action begins with the U.S. Army Golden Knights at 10:40 a.m., followed by opening ceremonies. The skies will be busy with performances by an A-1E Skyraider, T-33 jet trainer, an A-10 flyby; P-51 Mustang, A-26 Invader and SNJ-5 shows and T-38 flybys followed by the Sky Soldiers Vietnam reenactment.

Aerobatic performances by a MiG-17, the Lima Lima six-ship of T-34s, a team of F/A-18 Hornets, and a PT-17 Stearman warm the skies for flyovers by one of our own B-2s, followed by another parachute show by the Golden Knights.

Headlining the air action is the USAF Thunderbirds in their F-16 Falcons. These ambassadors in Blue represent the best of the U.S. Air Force, and according to the team's Website, "the Thunderbirds continue to represent all Airmen across the globe.

The primary Thunderbird mission is to represent the pride, precision and professionalism all Airmen demonstrate. From the ground show to the breathtaking aerial maneuvers, the Thunderbirds continue to represent America's Airmen."

On the ground, a range of static displays of aircraft, a Corvette and Cobra car show, vendors and information booths as well as activities for kids at the South end of the ramp ensure there will be no dull moments.

Visit the official Wings Over Whiteman web page at www.wingsoverwhiteman.com, or become a friend on Facebook for more information.