The air power show was canceled the past two years because of concerns about base security after 9/11.
By DONG-PHUONG NGUYEN
Published March 29, 2004
TAMPA - Year after year, the father brought his son. Each time, he would hoist the boy into the cockpit of the helicopter and snap a picture of him, smiling, a pilot's helmet hugging his small head.
Each year, the snapshot went into a photo album, next to the previous year's pose.
For this family, like many others in the Tampa Bay area, climbing inside military aircraft, gazing at F-16s streaking across the sky and watching the Blue Angels dance among the clouds had become an annual tradition.
Then terrorists attacked, and the country went to war. AirFest, MacDill Air Force Base's yearly open house to showcase its military hardware, ended after a 14-year run because of security concerns.
But enthusiasts can take heart: the free, two-day event is about to make a comeback. Families that crowded onto the base by the hundreds of thousands in the past can resume their annual trek to MacDill this weekend, when the festivities return Saturday and Sunday.
"Unfortunately, due to world events, we couldn't bring it back until this year," said First Lt. Michal Kloeffler, a MacDill spokeswoman. "It's going to be just as good as last time, hopefully better."
James Basta, an event volunteer who would look on as the father snapped the yearly photos of his little boy sitting in a light observation helicopter, says he can't wait to welcome the public once again.
Over the years, the retired Army lieutenant colonel and member of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association of Florida has watched the crowds swell, and sweat, beneath blazing skies.
"A lot of (people) see it year after year after year," Basta said. "It's adults and kids. A majority of the enjoyment adults are getting are exposing kids to this and watching their excitement and their enthusiasm. I'm happy to see it's coming back."
The last time AirFest was held, back in 2001, about 1-million people attended over two days. Organizers are bracing for an even larger crowd this year because of the hiatus, Kloeffler said.
The event, mainly a chance for the public to get an up-close look at operations at MacDill, has also been used to welcome war heroes home and to celebrate the base's existence.
In 1991, thousands went to AirFest to salute returning Desert Storm soldiers. That same year, the buzz surrounding the festivities was that MacDill might be transformed from an air base to an administrative facility. Attendees feared that people would lose jobs and commiserated that it could be their last AirFest.
In the 1950s, AirFest began as a one-day air show held every other year as an open house. There were a few flying acts and several aircrafts on display on the ground.
It grew to become AirFest in 1987, taking up two days and drawing hundreds of thousands of enthusiasts, some of whom set up lawn chairs in the shade of airplane wings.
They munched food, gulped water and watched B-25 flyovers and F-16 demonstrations. The highlights were the world-renown Thunderbirds and the Blue Angels, which took turns making appearances each year.
This year, the Blue Angels, an elite team of Navy pilots who fly spectacular, synchronized aerial maneuvers, are scheduled to perform from 3 to 5 p.m. both days.
Dick Cutshall, also known as the Air Boss, has directed AirFest since its debut in 1987.
He said he missed putting on the show, which touched so many young people. Cutshall said he has received letters from young men, now in the Air Force, telling him how AirFest moved them when they first attended as kids.
"They talk about how much they enjoy the show," Cutshall said. "That keeps me going."
Basta, the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association member, said while he's excited about the event, he's unsure about the timing.
"I'm surprised we're having it this year, with the tight security on the base," he said.
Citing military regulations, MacDill officials would not discuss what security measures are being taken. They did, however, say to expect a wait to get through the gates because of the anticipated crowds.
Gates open at 8 a.m. The schedules for both days are similar, except for one act. The B2 flying wing bomber will fly on Saturday only. The KC-135 fly-by at 9:20 a.m. will officially open the aerial line-up.
There will be about 50 displays on the ground, about the same number as previous years.
"I think the folks are proud of what we do here at MacDill," Cutshall said. "We're just as proud to show off what we do. This year may not necessarily be bigger, but it will be better."
- Times researchers Cathy Wos and John Martin contributed to this report. Dong-Phuong Nguyen can be reached at nguyen@sptimes.com or 813 226-3403.
IF YOU GO
AirFest 2004 runs Saturday and Sunday at MacDill Air Force Base. Admission is free. Gates open at 8 a.m. and the event ends at 5 p.m. Visitors may enter at the MacDill and the Dale Mabry gates. Each driver must have a valid driver's license. Drivers will be directed to parking areas once inside.
Coolers, alcohol and weapons will not be allowed onto the base. Pets will not be permitted unless they offer handicap assistance. Scooters, skates, skateboards, bicycles and remote-controlled toys are not allowed on the parking ramp or the display area. All backpacks, purses and bags will be searched.
Do bring good walking shoes, sunscreen and water (which will also be sold at the event.) Smoking will not be permitted within 50 feet of an aircraft.
