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Aviation Nation Nellis Air Show 2011
Nellis AF Base Celebrates 70 Years of Service
Text and Images By Joe Gonzalez
The presentation of colors for the National Anthem during the opening ceremonies.The day’s questionable weather cleared giving way to perfect sunshine. On November 12 and 13, the very large and well-mannered crowds at Nellis Air Force Base (AFB) enjoyed all the static displays, stopped by vendors of goods and services and, of course, watched the flying demonstrations, which were topped off by the USAF Thunderbirds who gave their last performance for the 2011 season.
History of Nellis AFB
The ultra modern Nellis AFB started from humble beginnings, known in the early years as the Las Vegas Army Air Corps Gunnery School. The mission of training aerial gunners for combat duty was primary. Rocky hills – about six miles from the base – offered a natural backdrop for cannon and machine gun firing. Dry lake beds offered an emergency landing location as needed. Supply and logistics had not yet been organized leaving mechanics to borrow parts as needed. Fuel came from the Civilian Conservation Corps. Construction of permanent base facilities began in 1941, including barracks to house about 3,000 personnel.
12th Gary South Shore Airshow
By Mike Heilman
Aeroshell AT-6 “Texan performing a loop at the Gary South Shore air show. The show was held July 15-17 in Gary Indiana on Lake Michigan. (Mike Heilman)Sand, sun, surf, smoke and spectators were all part of the 12th Gary South Shore Air Show. The three-day event was held at Marquette Park Beach on the shores of Lake Michigan in Gary, Indiana. The airshow was produced by the Indiana South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority and was free to the public.
The airshow opened with a twilight show on Friday that included a large fireworks display. Many of the airshow acts flew their demonstrations at the Friday night show. It was a great start to the weekend.
The headliner for this year’s show was the Heavy Metal Jet team. This civilian team is new to the 2011 airshow season. Heavy Metal team flies four L-39s and either a T-33 or MIG-17. The team flew the MIG-17 at the Gary Show. The team performs at airshows that do not have a military jet as part of the line up.
Miramar Air Show 2010
Never Fails To Impress
By Russ Albertson
Blue Angels beautiful Echelon formation. (Russ Albertson)The Miramar Air Show is always something to look forward to, even if it means the end of summer here in San Diego. This year it took place on Oct. 1, 2, and 3, and although we had a little fog and drizzle, it was still one of the best shows on the West coast.