Aerial performers wow crowds as Air Show gets under way

  • Published
  • By TSgt. Timm Huffman
  • 439th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
WESTOVER AIR RESERVE BASE, Mass. --  The Great New England Air Show began with a C-5 breaking through the clouds in an instrument-only approach.

Low clouds resulted in about a 30-minute delay, but performers are now flying under blue skies. The day's events run until 4 p.m.

Thousands of spectators are in attendance for the 439th Airlift Wing's air show and have already seen demonstrations from a variety of performers, such as the Black Daggers parachute team, a MV-22 Osprey and acrobatic pilot Rob Holland and Michael Goulian.

In addition to the flying acts, air show attendees can get hands on with numerous static military aircraft and vehicle displays from all branches of the U.S. military. The National Aeronautic Space Administration even has a first-ever interactive display.

The theme for the 2012 air show is "A Salute to the Greatest Generation" and many World War II veterans have come out to enjoy the day of flying. In their honor, there are a number of heritage flying performances and static displays to educate younger generations on the sacrifices these veterans made.

A repeat performance is scheduled for Sunday. The gates at Westover will open to the public at 8:30 a.m. and the show will start at 10 a.m. For more information, visit www.greatnewenglandairshow.com, www.facebook.com/westover.patriot or call the 439th Airlift Wing Public Affairs Office at 413-557-2020.