Military to thank local community with Wings Over Homestead Air Show

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Ian Carrier
  • 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. --  Through years of war and political turmoil since Sep. 11, 2001, the American people have shown unwavering support for the fighting men and women of this country. Folks may support different candidates, different parties and different agendas, but We Support Our Troops stickers can be seen on the bumpers of Democrats and Republicans alike. 

A big reason for this support is that this nation's all-volunteer military is not comprised of nameless, faceless masses. The uniforms are worn by your friends, your neighbors, sons and brothers. The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines are part of your community and family. The person you sit next to at work on Monday morning may have been fixing a tank, flying a fighter jet or jumping out of an airplane the previous day. How often do you see them in uniform? How often do you see the base they work at or see one of the aircraft they maintain? How connected do you really feel to the military side of your community? 

For these reasons, Homestead Air Reserve Base would like to invite the public, our neighbors, to a free air show Nov. 7-8 as a way to give thanks and foster awareness and confidence for the local military units. This will be the first air show hosted by the Air Force at Homestead ARB since being rebuilt after Hurricane Andrew struck in 1992. 

"The Air Force has had strong ties with South Florida dating back to the Second World War" General Binger added. "We believe that those ties will not only continue but become stronger by inviting our neighbors to this air show." 

Wings Over Homestead's feature performers will be the USAF Thunderbirds who show off the capabilities and professionalism of the finest air and space force in the world. 

"The Thunderbirds bring a high level of professionalism and excitement to air shows and we're thrilled that they have chosen to take part in our first Air Force-sponsored air show at Homestead since 1992," said Brig. Gen. William Binger, 482nd Fighter Wing commander. "Our vision is to be one of the most recognized air shows in the country and give our military and civilian community a chance to spend two fun-filled days together." 

With a vision to offer affordable, wholesome entertainment for the entire family, this two-day event will be packed with exciting things to see and do. Wings Over Homestead is set to showcase military and civilian aerial demonstrations and aircraft displays. Free parking and admission ensure the price is right for the current economy. 

Not only will you be able to see Homestead's very own F-16 Fighting Falcon jets perform a low-level flyover, but there will be a full schedule of aerial acrobatics, skydiving, vintage airplanes, a jet car, simulated dogfights and helicopter rescue missions. Thunderbird pilots will be available for autographs and photos both days of the air show in the Thunderbird tent. The Air Force, Navy, Army, Coast Guard and Department of Homeland Security will all be represented not only in the sky but on the ground with a vast assortment of vehicles, planes and displays. There will be a space-themed Kidz Zone with a climbing wall, slides and bounce house. 

The Thunderbirds, based at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, tour the U.S. and the world performing aerial acrobatics in their distinctive red, white and blue F-16's. The team presents precision aerial maneuvers exhibiting the capabilities of modern, high performance aircraft and the high degree of professional skill required to operate those aircraft. 

Times for the show are 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Gates may close early depending on the size of the crowd, so if you are coming to see the Thunderbirds you must get there early. 

For more information, please visit www.wingsoverhomestead.com or call (305) 224-7330.