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Fairchild gears up for Skyfest 2008

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Joshua K. Chapman
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  Only one day stands between the ground-rattling sounds of engine wash and the awe-striking sights of multimillion dollar jet airplanes dizzying graceful curves through the skies. It's no wonder that anticipation for Skyfest 2008, Fairchild's open house and airshow, has grown intense.

According to airshow officials, the show is expected to bring in an eclectic mix of about 150,000 people from within and outside the local area. Doors will open to the public at 9 a.m. and the flying program begins at 11 a.m.

"It'll be a fun time for family and friends to enjoy," said Maj. Rob Walmsley, 92nd Air Refueling Wing Air Force Smart Operations 21 director and Skyfest 2008 air operations officer. "Our ultimate goal is to give our guests an unforgettable experience that they'll remember for the rest of their lives."

Major development is underway to prepare for the event. Beginning Thursday, the base airfield will see about 45 static airplane displays, lines of booths - including a barrage of food stands, merchandise booths and jumping castles for the kids - and setup for the aerial demonstration performances.

But with the amount of preparation being put into the airshow, Airmen throughout the base have been put to the test.

"The high deployment volume that we've experienced here has had a pretty big impact on coordinating the airshow," said Major Walmsley. "But the hard work and high caliber of our Airmen have really made the difference in readying the base."

The 92nd Medical Group and the 92nd Security Forces Squadron have pulled out all stops to ensure the safety and comfort of all comers to the base.

"During the airshow, the 92nd Medical Group will be providing first aid for minor medical conditions and injuries," said Col. Anne Sproul, 92nd MDG commander. "Additionally, we will be providing immediate stabilization for life threatening medical conditions and injuries while patients await transportation to a higher echelon of care."

"Beyond our ground units, the 36th Rescue Flight [UH-1N Huey] helicopter that will be on static display during the airshow will be prepared to move the injured to local medical centers throughout the Spokane area in the event of a major emergency," said 1st Lt. Kirkwood, 92nd MDG resource management flight commander.

Demonstrations on both days during the airshow will include an F-15 Eagle demo team; an F-22 Raptor demo team; the Golden Knights, the premier Army parachuting team; and the headlining act, the Navy Blue Angels, among many other military and civilian acts.

Attendees are reminded to bring items such as sunscreen, sunglasses, a wide-brim hat and lawn chair.

For a full list of Skyfest performers and prohibited items, please visit the Fairchild Web site at http://public.fairchild.amc.af.mil/.