Makos serve up high flying demonstration at tennis match

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Lou Burton
  • 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MIAMI, Fla. --  Thousands gathered at the Sony Ericsson Open Tennis Tournament where the 482nd Fighter Wing contributed to the pre-match ceremonies with a precisely executed honor guard presentation of colors and a well timed F-16 flyover for the men's final on April 1.

The 32,000 attendees, and millions of television viewers, watched Homestead Air Reserve Base open the fifth largest tennis tournament in the world. The Sony Ericsson Open showcases the top worlds men's and women's professional tennis players at the manicured grounds of the Tennis Center at Crandon Park.

After a heart-pounding performance by a Taiko drummer group, Fushu Daiko; the Homestead Air Reserve Base honor guard gave a brilliant display of colors during the national anthem while 10-year old Julia Dale belted out a patriotic National Anthem.

At the ending note, the 93rd Fighter Squadron provided a well timed flyover of four F-16's.

Colonel Donald R. Lindberg, Commander,482nd Fighter Wing was front and center with players Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and game officials to conduct the game-opening coin toss.

Djokovic won the tournament for the third time, beating Murray, 6-1, 7-6 (4).

"The Sony Open was privileged to have the Homestead Air Force Reserve back for a third year," said Mr. Adam Barrett, Sony Open Tournament Director. "There is no greater honor than to have a spectacular military flyover as the culmination of the 14-day event."