Homestead ARB to host first air show in 18 years

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Erik Hofmeyer
  • 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. --  Hundreds of reservists from the 482nd Fighter Wing have deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan in the last year, and now, these Airmen are preparing to launch a different operation - hosting Homestead Air Reserve Base's first air show in 18 years.

The base will open its gates to the public free of charge for the "Wings Over Homestead Air Show" Nov. 7-8.

The two-day event will feature the Air Force Thunderbirds aerial demonstration team as they roll, dive and swirl through the skies over Homestead. The Thunderbirds will headline a packed schedule and perform their signature acrobatic maneuvers on both days.

"We're excited the Thunderbirds have selected us for their 2009 season. We haven't had an air show here at Homestead since base was rebuilt after Hurricane Andrew, and we feel a show here is well overdue," said Brig. Gen. William Binger, 482nd Fighter Wing commander.

The event will also be a homecoming for one Thunderbird pilot.

Maj. Sean Gustafson, a former Palmetto Bay resident, will return to South Florida flying the No. 4 aircraft in the Thunderbirds diamond formation. Gustafson was previously stationed at the 93rd Fighter Squadron on Homestead Air Reserve Base. He made history last year after being the first Air Force Reserve pilot chosen to fly with the Thunderbirds since the team's inception in 1953.

The two-day event will also offer performances by the F-15 Eagle demonstration team, U.S. Army Screaming Eagles Jump Team, U.S. Air Force Jet Car, U.S. Air Force Reserve Band, GEICO Skytypers Air Show Team, Sky Soldiers: A Tribute to Patriots, wing-walking routines, and several other acts.
Military aircraft including a B-52 Stratofortress, KC-135 Stratotanker, Navy Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS), F-16 Fighting Falcon, C-130 transport aircraft, and an Army H-60 helicopter will also be on public display.

"Having the air show not only allows the public to come out and see two days of world class flying, it serves to thank South Florida citizens and communities for their continued support of the military and veterans," General Binger said.

Information on aerial performances, food and beverage vendors, sponsorship opportunities, parking and directions, and items allowed and not allowed at the airshow may be found at www.wingsoverhomestead.com.