Civilian aerial acts, vintage aircraft added to airshow schedule

  • Published
  • By Steven Merrill
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Two premier civilian aerobatic teams and several static display aircraft have been added to the schedule of events for the base's airshow and open house Aug. 15 and 16.

Officials announced that Jim Peitz Aerosports of Pierre, S.D., and the Vanguard Squadron of Tea, S.D., will be performing both days at Dakota Thunder 2015.

"We're thrilled to have these performers in our lineup" said Lt. Col. Lanny Anaya, base airshow project officer. "They are a great complement to the Thunderbirds and vintage warbird performers that will be filling the skies over Ellsworth."

Anaya noted that Jim Peitz features one of the most diverse and unique airshow performances in the industry with his aerobatic F33C Bonanza aircraft being flown to its limits with dazzling low-level maneuvers, while the Vanguard Squadron - comprised of five RV-3 aircraft - perform their own style of aerobatics that are a true testament to precision flying.

"Acts like these are what set great airshows apart from good airshows," Anaya said.

In addition to the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds headlining the event and performances by the U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute demonstration team, event planners have also confirmed several vintage warbird acts will perform at Ellsworth, including a P-51 Mustang, MiG-17, C-45 Expediter, T-33 Shooting Star, T-28 Trojan and T-2 Buckeye.

"Of course, base aircrews will also demonstrate the might of the B-1 for guests both days," Anaya said. "We will also have a B-1 and numerous other aircraft on display for visitors to tour."

Other static display aircraft include the A-10 Warthog, B-52H Stratofortress, C-5 Galaxy, C-130J Hercules, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-15 Eagle, F-15E Strike Eagle, EC-130, T-1 Jayhawk, T-6 Texan II, KC-135 Stratotanker, UH-60 Blackhawk, UH-72 Lakota and more.

"Our list of static displays continues to grow," Anaya said. "We even have a few local community aviation association enthusiasts participating in our static display lineup. For updates, check out the base website and click on the Dakota Thunder logo."

While the aircraft are the focal point for the event, numerous ground displays and acts will give attendees an up-close look at a cross section of U.S. military equipment.

"It is an amazing opportunity for everyone to learn more about our base and our mission through numerous displays and activities," said Lorie Vega, 28th Force Support Squadron deputy commander and key player on the event planning committee. "We will have live entertainment, food vendors and a broad range of engaging activities for all ages. There will literally be something for everyone."

Vega added that additional information about parking, the complete schedule of events, security guidelines and a list of prohibited items will be published in advance of the show to help guests prepare for the event and to prevent any confusion.

For the latest information and updates about the airshow, visit:
http://www.ellsworthfss.com/base-info/air-show
https://www.facebook.com/DakotaThunderAirShow
https://www.facebook.com/28thBombWing