B-2 bomber, close air support demo added to airshow

  • Published
  • By Steven J. Merrill
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Event planners have confirmed that a B-2 Spirit bomber has been added to the long list of aircraft that will be on static display during the base's airshow and open house Aug. 15 and 16.

"This is the perfect addition to our event," said Lt. Col. Lanny Anaya, base airshow project officer. "All three of the nation's current bombers - B-1, B-2 and B-52 - will be on display both days of the airshow along with numerous other aircraft used by the Air Force, National Guard and other branches of the military."

Other notable additions to the list of static display aircraft include a pair of F-35 Lightning multi-role fighters, two U.S Navy EA-18 Growlers and a couple of TG-16A gliders from the U.S. Air Force Academy.

"We will have a diverse collection of aircraft available for our guests to see up close," Anaya said. "There will be something for everyone."

While the static displays and performances by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and U.S. Army Golden Knights are the big draws for the event, Anaya added that the ground displays and demonstrations throughout the day are sure to be crowd pleasers.

"The close air support demonstration involving a base B-1 providing coverage for a helicopter crew extracting ground forces is going to be amazing," Anaya said. "It is a very realistic representation of the type of support B-1 aircrews have been providing to ground forces around the clock in Southwest Asia for nearly 15 years. This is what we do."

People planning to attend the airshow are encouraged to visit the event website for the complete schedule of events as well as vital information about security procedures, parking, prohibited items and other key topics.

"The gates will open at 9 a.m. and the airshow will start at 10 a.m. on both days," said Lorie Vega, 28th Force Support Squadron deputy commander and key player on the event planning committee. "We encourage everyone to plan ahead, review the traffic plan and - most importantly - take time to review the list of prohibited items before they arrive at the gates. Understanding what items are not allowed will prevent delays entering the show site and help eliminate any confusion."

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.