CAD Air Show highlights air power capabilities, military history

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Brigitte N. Brantley-Sisk
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  The nearly 20,000 people who attended Moody's Community Appreciation Day Air Show Nov. 13 were able to observe more than demonstrations of the Air Force's air power capabilities.

Civilian acts also highlighted military history while incorporating the appealing factors of intricate aerobatics, fire, smoke and lots of noise.

The daylong event featured present and past aircraft, including a C-47 Skytrain that participated in D-Day in 1942, as well as the base's own A-10 East Demonstration Team.

Although many in the crowd had some sort of military background or affiliation, some are new to the military lifestyle and had never seen a display of air power.

"This is my first air show and it's very exciting being out here," said Megan Jones, the wife of a sailor stationed at Naval Submarine Base King's Bay, Ga. "My favorite part was the storyline announced during the 'Tora, Tora, Tora' show, which demonstrates part of what happened at Pearl Harbor.

"All the acts were very impressive, especially the ones that did tricks with fire," she added. "I can't wait to go to another air show and see even more of what the military has."

Most Air Force air shows fall within the months of March to November. One Army veteran who served from 1952 to 1960 has been to other air shows said what he saw displayed at Moody was very impressive.

"I love planes and I love America, so it was great coming out for this show," said Ralph Mann, who traveled nearly four hours to attend the show. "We had a great time out here. One of the main reasons we came was so my son Jacob, who is planning to become a fighter pilot, could see some of the aircraft."

Some of the static displays were legacy aircraft, including the T-34 Texan, F-15E Strike Eagle, C-47 Skytrain and P-40 Warhawk. Moody's own HH-60G Pave Hawk, A-10C Thunderbolt II and HC-130P Combat King were also represented.

"It's good for the community members to see our aircraft and capabilities," said Staff Sgt. Patrick Clendenning, 71st Rescue Squadron flight engineer. "Getting to show off what we do and explain more about it gives them a firsthand view of our role. This is a good idea since we are such a big presence in the local community."

Although some people in the crowd traveled hours for the event, there were also many locals. Moody has consistently maintained a positive relationship with the community and this support was evident by the number of people who attended.