MCAS New River celebrates 100 years of naval aviation
The Marine Corps Air Station at New River inadvertently commenced the centennial anniversary Sounds of Freedom Air Show with a special dedication ceremony on Thursday, May 12, 2011. The National Anthem rang clear as the crowd gathered to witness the Aviation Memorial Dedication Ceremony. Chaplain Chad McCain of the US Navy began the day by recognizing many retired military members who were in attendance. Col. Jeffrey Hewlett, Lt. Gen. Robert Milstead and Major General Jon Davis also spoke. The AH-1J Buno and UH-1N Buno were donated to the Aviation Memorial where they joined three other previously dedicated aircraft. Also, Hangar 4108 was dedicated in honor of 1stLt. Jeffrey Scharver, a Cobra Attack Helicopter Pilot who was killed in action during Operation Urgent Fury on the Island of Grenada in October of 1983. Scharver was posthumously awarded the Silver Star Medal, a very prestigious award.
Flying perfectly in sync the Canadian Snowbirds proudly present many new and highly anticipated formations during the 2011 Air Show presented at Marine Corps Air Station New River. Staff photos by Ashton Hasty
The air show director Major Karl Kuga told the press there were close to sixty planned aircraft static displays planned for the Sounds of Freedom Air Show, which celebrated 100 years of naval aviation. Some pilots, who were not participating in the show, were adamant on their decisions to attend either Saturday or Sunday’s air show. Many prospective spectators were unsure what to expect during the Naval Aviation Centennial but no doubt walked away from the milestone experience pleased.
The enticing smell of hamburgers on the grill, the sweet smell of funnel cakes being fried and the familiar smell of cotton candy being spun greeted the mass of guests as they wandered into the designated air show area. Dozens of vendors sold food and beer throughout the day to hungry customers. Children of various ages bounced in several different ‘bounce houses’ dispersed throughout the show and some experienced a simulated flight, which gave the rider the impression they were soaring high above land but the simulator actually barely left the ground. The various announcers throughout the day never seemed to be at a loss of words, constantly providing the crowd with pertinent information regarding the pilots and other performers in the air show displays.
As the day drew to an end the announcer instructed the crowds to listen closely as the legendary Canadian Snowbirds warmed up their engines in preparation for their display. As the revving of engines enveloped the surrounding area the announcer described pilot Kent Pietsch’s Jelly Belly Interstate Cadet plane, with a 37 foot wingspan, as he aims to land the plane without the assistance of the four cylinder engine capable of generating 90 horsepower as he descends from 9,500 feet. The announcer instructed the crowd to “listen carefully and you may hear the wind whispering through the struts” as Pietsch silently soared overhead using what the announcer described as ‘energy management.’ When the vivid yellow Jelly Belly plane landed precisely in the hand of the announcer after soaring through the sky never utilizing the engine, the announcer only had a one remark, “bingo”.
The announcer encouraged spectators with sensitive ears and children to cover their ears as the Canadian Snowbirds circled the runway in preparation for their take off. Although there were eleven planes situated on the runway only nine pilots were prepared to participate in the 2011 MCAS New River Air Show.
The Canadian Forces Snowbirds were established in 1971 and currently perform over fifty daring formations. The demonstration team of the 431 squadron is comprised of service members of the Canadian Forces. Music by Nickelback, a contemporary rock band who’s lead singer Chad Kroeger is originally from Canada, played as crowds caught their first views of the nine planes flying perfectly in sync with each other.
Many trademark formations, which they have been rehearsing for all year, were displayed as the eyes of children and adults alike never strayed from the sky. Upbeat music provided positive background noise throughout the Snowbirds’ demonstration formations. Some of the most difficult formations were revealed including the ‘big diamond rolling loop’, the ‘condor pass’ and some brand new moves including the ‘hero formation’ and the ‘x-men’ move. Makes one wonder whose job it is to create the names for these thrilling and innovative moves.
One thing is certain, the Snowbird pilots seem to spend just as much time flying upside down or spiraling through the air as they fly the common way most planes fly. At one point two pilots had their planes aimed directly at each other while flying at over 600 mph and crossed within four feet of each other midair. The Marine Corps Air Station Sounds of Freedom Air Show celebration celebrated 100 years of naval aviation that impacted spectators of all ages and will not doubt leave lasting impressions.
