JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Texas - The 2017 Joint Base San Antonio Air Show and Open House wrapped up a two-day run Nov. 4-5, hosting visitors from around the country to witness military and civilian aerial acrobatics, learn about various static aircraft displays and interact with JBSA military members at the JBSA-Lackland, Kelly Field Annex.
Highlights of the event included performances from the U.S. Air Force Aerial Demonstration Squadron “Thunderbirds”, the Air Force Wings of Blue parachute team and vintage and civilian aircraft aerial demonstrations. The event also gave visitors the ability to view static displays, showcasing the evolution of joint air power and advancements in technology that have occurred throughout Air Force history, was also a huge draw for the two-day event.
“This event showcases what we bring to our nation’s defense to the San Antonio community so they get the opportunity to see the excellence and professionalism we bring to every mission, every day throughout all of JBSA,” Brig. Gen. Heather Pringle, 502nd Air Base Wing and JBSA commander, said. “We want to thank everyone who helped put this event on, including the city of San Antonio, Port San Antonio, and of course all the hard working men and women of JBSA.”
The JBSA-Lackland Kelly Field Annex on Port San Antonio served as the backdrop for the air show as 2017 marks 100 years of aviation at Kelly, the 75th anniversary of Air Education and Training Command, and the Air Force's 70th birthday.
Kelly Field, formerly part of Kelly Air Force Base, was founded in 1917 and served as the oldest military airstrip in the nation until Kelly AFB closed in July 2001. After its closure, the airfield was redeveloped into Port San Antonio – a sprawling public-private partnership that currently hosts major aerospace and high-tech commercial players, Boeing and Lockheed-Martin, that employs thousands of civilian and military workers.
Volunteers from throughout JBSA planned and prepared for months leading up to the air show and open house in order to ensure its success.
To view videos and more photos from the 2017 JBSA Air Show and Open House, follow JBSA on the following social media outlets: