Ellsworth prepares to host Air Show

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class James L. Miller
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  With the 2015 Dakota Thunder Airshow and Open House scheduled Aug. 15 and 16, the 28th Bomb Wing would like to remind everyone of a few key topics surrounding the upcoming event.

Gates open to the public at 9 a.m., with opening ceremonies starting at 10 a.m., both days of the air show.

Visitors can use exit 63 or 67 off Interstate 90 to access the installation, travelling through the base's commercial gate, Bismarck Gate, or the main gate, Liberty Gate. Base personnel, family members and event staff will use the school gate, Patriot Gate, to access the base.

"Visitors need to follow the directions of traffic marshals while driving on base," said Master Sgt. Gerald Russell, 28th Operations Support Squadron first sergeant. "Drivers should also not be in a rush to make sure traffic moves as smoothly as possible."

Additionally, guests must ensure they don't bring prohibited items, which are meant to ensure safety of all airshow attendees. Compliance is mandatory, and confiscated items may not be returned to the owners.

Prohibited items include backpacks, ice chests or coolers, and bags larger than a small purse or fanny pack, such as duffle bags, briefcases and large camera bags.

No weapons will be permitted regardless of whether the individual possesses a concealed carry permit, include firearms, knives - including pocket knives, multi-tools, and walking sticks, except for handicap use. 

"The prohibited items list is not to hinder the enjoyment of visitors," Russell said. "It is to ensure the safety and well-being of the visitors and staff."

Finally, alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, pets other than service animals, glass containers, bicycles, roller skates or blades, skateboards, and remotely piloted air craft such as quad-copters are not allowed during the air show.

There will be many aerial performances during the air show, including the Air Force Thunderbirds, Army Golden Knights parachute team and other demonstrations including the Trojan Phylers and Jim Pietz Bonanza  Aerobatic demonstration.  

There will also be various static displays available for viewing such as Ellsworth's B-1 bomber, along with a P-51 Mustang, B-2 Spirit, A-10 Warthog, B-52H Stratofortress, C-17 Globemaster and UH-60 Blackhawk, along with many other aircraft.

A current list of static display aircraft, schedule of events and other information is available at http://www.ellsworthfss.com/base-info/air-show or https://www.facebook.com/DakotaThunderAirShow.