JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas –
After nearly a year of planning and preparation, the Joint Base San Antonio 2017 Air Show and Open House is ready to showcase and celebrate its rich military and aviation history next month, Nov. 4-5, at JBSA-Lackland Kelly Field Annex flightline.
The two-day event is free and open to the general public. Gates will be open both days from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This year’s air show theme is ‘Your History, Our Legacy: commemorating the U.S. Air Force’s 70th anniversary, Air Education Training Command’s 75th anniversary, Kelly Field’s 100th anniversary and San Antonio’s 300th anniversary.’
“Air shows are a thank you to our community and its leaders that sustain our mission and our Airmen each and every day,” said Christopher Kelly, chief of Installation Operations Plans and Programs and air show director. “This air show and open house is an opportunity for everyone in the San Antonio community to witness the jobs we do every day.”
Known as “America’s Ambassadors in Blue,” the U.S. Air Force Aerial Demonstration Squadron “Thunderbirds” headlines the list of aerial performers at the air show. Other notable aerial performances includes Tora! Tora! Tora! with its is a re-enactment of the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor Dec. 7, 1941, the F-35 Heritage Flight Team and the U.S. Air Force Academy Wings of Blue.
Various static displays, along with aircrew members for each aircraft, are scheduled to be on hand for air show attendees to explore and ask questions. Static displays to view include the A-10 Thunderbolt II, F-35 Lightning II, the C-5 Galaxy and the C-17 Globemaster III.
“There will be a lot of things for everyone to see,” said Kelly. “Our air show theme ‘Your History, Our Legacy’ truly embraces the wonderful relationship our military has with the people and city of San Antonio. We want all San Antonians to come out and to celebrate our legacy with us.”
Gold Star families and Wounded Warrior families will have access to the practice show on rehearsal day, Thursday, Nov. 3. Department of Defense cardholders wishing to see rehearsal will also have access.
Aerial demonstrations are scheduled to begin at approximately 10:30 a.m. each day. Members of the Air Force Combat Control Team open the show by jumping in with the U.S. flag. Daily events will conclude when the Thunderbirds take to the sky in the afternoon. For more up to date information on scheduled events, please log on to https://jbsaairshow.com/.
Patrons attending the air show are encouraged to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat or visor, and hearing protection.
Every effort will be made to minimize delays in entering and leaving the air show. All bags at each entry point to the air show flightline will be inspected prior to entry. The following items are prohibited and are subject to confiscation:
- Weapons (regardless of permit), firearms, knives (including pocket knives and multi-tools), replica or toy weapons, pepper spray or stun guns
- Alcoholic beverages, unless purchased from approved vendors
- Outside food and beverages
- Ice chests or coolers
- Pets, other than service animals
- Illegal drugs and/or paraphernalia to include marijuana and medical marijuana.
- Flammable liquids
- Glass containers
- Bicycles, roller skates, roller blades, Heelys, scooters, skateboards, or Segway-style human transporters
- Backpacks (diaper bags allowed after inspection)
- Remote control devices that operate on land or air (cars, planes, drones, etc.)
- Fireworks
- Laser Pointers
Air shows allow the Air Force to display the capabilities of their military aircrafts to the American taxpayer through aerial demonstrations and static displays while allowing attendees to get up close and in person to see some of the equipment used today by the U.S. Air Force.
For more information on the JBSA Air Show and Open House, log on to https://jbsaairshow.com/.