2011 Dakota Thunder airshow wows crowd

  • Published
  • By Airman Alessandra Gamboa
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Nearly 40,000 people of all ages and walks of life converged on Ellsworth Air Force Base June 4 for the 2011 Dakota Thunder airshow.

The airshow a showcased 100 years of South Dakota aviation history and featured a vast array of aerial demonstration teams and static aircraft displays from World War II to present day.

Staff Sgts. Jessica and James Clayton, 28th Civil Engineer Squadron emergency management and heavy equipment craftsmen, cited the Heavy Metal Jet Team, featuring four L-39s and one T-33, and WWII planes as their favorite parts of the show.

"I really enjoyed listening to the introductions of the pilots who flew in the show," said Sergeant Clayton. "It was awesome to hear how some of the pilots were retired with more than 20 years of service. For them to have this opportunity to fly for their country, again, as part of this show and demonstrate their pride and patriotism was really cool."

The airshow proved personal for Travis Sullivan, a store owner from Deadwood, S.D., who came with his son, Zach, not only for the show, but also to support his daughter, Kiaya, during her enlistment into the Air Force. Kiaya was one of 20 individuals sworn into the Air Force by Col. Mark Weatherington, 28th Bomb Wing commander, during a ceremony which took place at show center in front of a pair of F-16 Fighting Falcons.

Apart from sharing the memorable experience of supporting their new family addition to the Air Force, Mr. Sullivan and his son said they both considered the dazzling performance by the Air Combat Command Viper West Demonstration Team their favorite part of the show.

The airshow also featured several military aircraft displays for guests to view and experience firsthand, a B-2 Spirit stealth bomber flyby, The U.S. Army Golden Nights and aerial acrobatics performed by groups including the MiG Fury Fighters and the Acemaker. The airshow concluded with a B-1B Lancer flyby which was enhanced by pyrotechnics designed to wow the crowd.