Moody opens its doors for AirFest '07

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Spencer Gallien
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  The free, public, Moody AirFest '07 will be held Oct. 20-21 at Moody Air Force Base to promote local awareness of Team Moody's mission and the overall capabilities of the U.S. Air Force.

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds Air Demonstration Squadron, will headline AirFest '07 along with several other aerial and ground demonstrations such as Shockwave, a jet powered semi-truck that will blast down the runway at speeds of over 300 mph. 

A military and dependents-only evening show will be held Oct. 19. Performers will conduct night-flying demonstrations along with pyrotechnics, and a fireworks show will close the night out, said Capt. Sean Hosey, Moody AirFest '07 director.

The shows on Oct. 20-21 will be open to the public, and will have the bulk of the performances, said Captain Hosey. The gates will open at 9 a.m. each morning.

The Oregon Aero skywriting team will perform along with three Lockheed F-104 Starfighters from Starfighters INC.

There will also be WW-II era warbirds such as a Douglas C-47 Dakota, which was used as VIP transportation during WW-II, and the Pacific Prowler, a fully restored B-25 Mitchell that has flown in more than 80 feature films.

In addition to the flying acts, there will also be ground demonstrations highlighting Moody's diverse missions.

The 820th Security Forces Group will perform military working dog demonstrations. In addition, members of the 23rd Wing's rescue units will display equipment and vehicles used during search and rescue missions.

Captain Hosey pointed out that the Air Force NASCAR car will also be at the show as well as the Air Force Orange County chopper, thanks to Moody's 336th Recruiting Squadron.

For the youngsters in the crowd, there will be a Kids Fest area where children can participate in arts and crafts throughout the day.

"The Moody AirFest '07 is a show we put on every other year to invite the local community in and see what we do for them," said Captain Hosey. "It's a way to show our appreciation for their support of our activities throughout the previous years."

On Oct. 20-21, all public traffic will come up Bemiss Road, north of Moody's two main gates and enter through the Cemetery Gate entrance. There will be multiple signs posted along the highway directing guests to a parking area normally used to hold the base's HC-130's.

Certain items will not be allowed onto the AirFest flightline and must remain in parked vehicles. These include backpacks, large bags, coolers, skateboards, bicycles and rollerblades. Weapons of any kind will not be allowed to enter the base. Strollers will be allowed, but will be searched before being allowed on the flightline.

Bleachers and seating will be available as well as standing room at the edge of the flight line. Concession stands and vedors will be present for attendees to buy drinks and food, along with Air Force merchandise.

"We're expecting anywhere between 50 to 60 thousand attendees throughout the weekend," said Captain Hosey. "Every other year for at least the past 20 years the AirFest has been a huge success. We are looking to continue that tradition in 2007."