Nearly 75,000 attend Dover Air Force Base Open House, Air Show

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Steve Lewis
  • 512th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Despite inclement weather, the base opened its gates to thousands of visitors and aircraft enthusiasts for the 2009 Air Show and Open House June 20-21. 

Many attendees braved the rain and thunderstorms on the morning of June 20 to tour static displays of various aircraft, including a C-5 Galaxy, a C-17 III Globemaster, a KC-10 Extender, and vintage planes showcased at the bases' Air Mobility Command Museum. 

Open House attendee, Jeff Malwitz of River's Edge, N.J., said he wanted to come to Dover with his family after going to air shows at different bases. 

"We've had a great time despite the rain." said Mr. Malwitz. "It was our first trip to Dover, and it's been fun so far." 

Although some flying acts took place late Saturday afternoon when the clouds briefly broke, there was no rainfall on Sunday. This gave way to an entire afternoon of aerobatics, parachutists and a U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration. 

Dover's AMC Museum Director, Mike Lester, said his favorite aerial performance has always been by Matt Younkin and the Twin Beech 18, which was not designed for aerobatic flight. Mr. Lester said he's helped at the museum for about 14 open houses. 

"Many museum volunteers came out and put together two display airplanes right in time for the show," said Mr. Lester. "We've been working for the past four months to get things ready, and I think everything has paid off." 

Alongside of museum volunteers who helped during this year's Open House, Team Dover Airmen were also present to assist attendees with information and to ensure overall safety. 

Lt. Col. Lee Landis, 436th Airlift Wing chief of safety, worked with other Airmen from both the 512th and 436th AWs in keeping the event free of mishaps. 

"The Open House went off without a hitch with minor safety and medical issues," said Colonel Landis. "The only thing we really fought was the weather." 

Staff Sgt. Yerkes Tecson, a loadmaster in the 709th Airlift Squadron, said he also helped Team Dover with overall safety by making sure attendees didn't hurt themselves touring the C-5 static display. 

"What was really interesting to me was watching all the young kids and parents staring in excitement at the C-5," said Sergeant Yerkes. "It brought back memories when I was younger." 

Also contributing to the excitement of the weekend event was the grand finale performance by the Thunderbirds. 

While rain may have put a damper on the bi-annual event, it ended with 75,000 spectators under sunny F-16-filled skies.