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Nov 8, 2009 9:56 am US/Eastern
Last Day To Catch Air Show At Homestead Base
HOMESTEAD (CBS4) ―
Sunday is the last day to catch the Air Force Thunderbirds as the dazzle the crowd at the Wings over Homestead Air Show returns to the Homestead Air Reserve Base.
The free show features more daredevil stunts than ever before. This is the first time the show is being staged since Hurricane Andrew ripped through South Miami-Dade County 17 years ago.
"It is fantastic to be back in Miami," said Air Force Major Sean Gustafson, a Thunderbird pilot who used to call South Florida home. "I lived in Palmetto Bay for about three years and absolutely loved it, loved the community, loved the area, loved the weather and its just great to be back here in Miami."
The world famous Thunderbirds are the headliners for this year's show. Thunderbird pilot Major Rick Goodman said while the crowd 'oohs' and 'aahs' on the ground, it's a very different story in the air.
"We definitely get a chance to look down, see the crowd, see the reaction but to be honest we're concentrating on doing the best show we possibly can," said Goodman. "While we're flying it's an absolute exhilarating work out. There's a lot of G-force acting on our body and we're thinking a million miles a minute."
Wings Over Homestead also features everything from biplanes and supersonic jets to rocket cars. Aerobatic and wing-walking routines will also be a part of the action in the air.
"We have a huge schedule of events and we are aiming for no dead time in the show." Katie Spencer- Senior Airman 482 Fighter Wing at Homestead Reserve
On Saturday an estimated 80 thousand excited air show fans watch as daring pilots put their planes through their maneuvers.
On Friday, veterans from the VA Hospital got front row seats to watch practice maneuvers.
The aerobatics were breathtaking, but the real treat came with watching spirits soar. Lorenzo Marshall was a firefighter in the Air Force 50 years ago. He told me, "I was on the flight line. It (today) was quite an honor." Air Force veteran Gabriel Figueroa enjoyed the show immensely too. He said, "It is wonderful, absolutely wonderful."
There was a symbolic moment that seemed to join eras—old and new. A World War Two era P-51 Mustang flew at flank speed alongside a slow moving F-15 Eagle, one of the fastest, most agile fighters in the modern Air Force arsenal. Everyone in attendance looked on in awe. American Red Cross volunteer Jesika Davis, whose team helped attend to the needs of vets Friday, summed up the moment well. Davis said, "It is just wonderful to see their joy and pride. It is almost like they go back to wearing the uniform."
Homestead Air Reserve Base spokesman Lt. Col. Thomas David told me, "These folks were protecting our freedom 40 and 50 years ago and we are delighted to have them here today." That is a sentiment and a salute everyone shared on a special afternoon.
Admission and parking are absolutely free. The Air Force is sponsoring the show to thank the South Florida citizens and communities for their continued support of the military and veterans. No food will be allowed on the base for security reasons, but there will be vendors serving food and drink on site. Show officials suggest bringing lawn chairs or blankets for comfortable viewing.
If you are planning to go, just be aware that the gates to the base will close at 3 p.m. so arrive early to get a great seat for the "Thunderbirds," performance.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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