Pages
Stay In Touch
More
© 2013 KentuckyGuard
Video by Sgt. 1st Class Aaron Hiler, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — It is not uncommon to find National Guardsmen working alongside local law enforcement at major sporting events. However, Kentucky Guardsmen have taken the role of serving their citizens to new heights… literally!
Here’s a behind the scenes look at the work of Soldiers with the 63rd Theater Aviation Brigade at the Kentucky Derby, May 2.
Story by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Pvt. Demitri Ray and Sgt. Andrew Harmon provide security for the Kentucky Derby Trophy at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., May 2, 2015. The seven Soldiers assigned to the trophy detail were among more than 200 Guardsmen on duty for the weekend events. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — After 79 years, the Kentucky Guard knows a thing or two about assisting the City of Louisville with the security of the Kentucky Derby. Since 1936, the commonwealth’s Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen have been involved with the colossal task of ensuring the safety of more than 250,000 spectators at the Kentucky Oaks and Derby weekend. That tradition continued for the 141st running of the historic races at Churchill Downs, May 1-2.
“We’ve done this so many times it’s like automatic for us,” said Capt. Brandon Davisson, commander of the 617th Military Police Company. “The weekend has gone very smooth and I know Louisville Metro (Police Department) is happy to have us here.”
Pvt. Matthew Sturgill with the 198th Military Police Battalion assists with pedestrian traffic outside Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., May 2, 2015. More than 100 Guardsmen were tasked with assisting local law enforcement with traffic flow around the track during the weekend. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
More than 200 Guardsmen took their usual stance in the streets around the track directing traffic and securing pedestrian gates inside as record numbers of spectators jammed Churchill Downs. Soldiers and Airmen were also on hand for security in the winners circle and a select few were tasked with guarding the Kentucky Derby Trophy.
Click here for more photos.
Of the roughly 200 Citizen-Soldiers, a good number of them were working their first Derby. Davisson said the 198th’s history of working the Derby has provided a wealth of experience that has been passed on from NCOs to younger Soldiers to continue the success of the operations.
Among the new faces at the track was 2nd Lt. Sarah Powell who, even as a freshly appointed MP officer, served as officer-in-charge of security.
“My role is a small one, but there are so many big pieces that go into this operation, there’s the community piece, the interagency cooperation and there’s our own inner workings to ensure leaders and subordinates know what they need to get the job done,” she said. “This allows us to grow together and to develop our own style of working the Derby for future success, but right now, it’s business as usual.”
Staff Sgt. Christopher King assembles the Kentucky Derby Trophy at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., May 2, 2015. In the spotlight all weekend, the trophy detail was tasked with the security of the “priceless” trophy. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
Pvt. Demitri Ray with the 617th was working his first Derby and was selected for the trophy detail that secured the “priceless” Kentucky Derby Trophy. He has only been with his unit since August of 2014, but his NCOs said Ray is among the best of the new recruits into the company, a reason he was chosen to assist with the prestigious assignment.
“I feel like I have the best duty here,” he said. “It tells me I’m earning the respect of my unit and motivates me to keep working hard and earn leadership assignments and further my career as a MP.”
Ray and the other six Soldiers escorting the trophy were certainly in the spotlight of the weekend, but 198th leadership said each Soldiers on duty represented years of hard work to create such a polished undertaking.
Powell said the ability to be a part of the big picture is a great benefit to the Soldiers and the units in the commonwealth.
“It’s interesting because you get to several levels up of operation which you don’t normally get to see and to understand what it takes to coordinate with multiple agencies and individuals within the community, which is so important in the National Guard,” said Powell.
Story by Maj. Dale Greer, 123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Army Gen. Frank J. Grass, chief of the National Guard Bureau, swears in 20 Soldiers and Airmen from the Kentucky National Guard during a re-enlistment ceremony on the Clark Memorial Bridge in downtown Louisville, Ky., April 18, 2015. The event, televised live, kicked off the 2015 Thunder Over Louisville air show. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Dale Greer)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The 2015 Thunder Over Louisville air show began Saturday with a barrage of canon fire executed by the Kentucky National Guard’s 138th Field Artillery Brigade and a mass re-enlistment ceremony for 20 Kentucky Guardsmen led by Army Gen. Frank J. Grass, chief of the National Guard Bureau.
Senior Airman Lindsey Horton, a recruiting assistant in the Kentucky Air Guard’s 123rd Force Support Squadron, said it was a great honor to be sworn in by the nation’s top National Guard officer on live television.
Senior Airman Lindsey Horton, a recruiting assistant in the Kentucky Air National Guard, takes the oath of enlistment during a mass swearing-in ceremony on the Clark Memorial Bridge in downtown Louisville, Ky., April 18, 2015. The ceremony, which kicked off the Thunder Over Louisville air show, was led by Army Gen. Frank J. Grass, chief of the National Guard Bureau. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Dale Greer)
“Serving in the Air National Guard is something that I take a lot of pride in,” Horton said. “I’ve really taken the Air Force Core Values of service, integrity and excellence to heart, so being able to reaffirm my commitment to them with Gen. Grass was a great experience.”
Grass, who also serves on the Joint Chiefs of Staff as one of seven military advisors to the president of the United States, thanked Horton and the other troops for their continued service, calling their dedication to duty a “phenomenal act.”
Earlier in the day, Grass toured the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville to learn more about the missions of the 123rd Airlift Wing, which include tactical airlift, contingency response, and special tactics capabilities like combat control and pararescue.
One of the highlights of the air show was a tribute to Col. Gail Halvorsen, a retired C-54 pilot who became famous when he originated the idea of air-dropping small bundles of chocolate to the children of West Berlin during the Berlin Airlift of 1948-49. What began with Halvorsen’s small act of kindness eventually grew to include hundreds of American Airmen and more than 21 tons of candy.
Army Gen. Frank J. Grass, chief of the National Guard Bureau, speaks to Sgt. 1st Class Jennifer Fulkerson from the Kentucky Army National Guard after a mass swearing-in ceremony on the Clark Memorial Bridge in downtown Louisville, Ky., April 18, 2015. Grass administered the oath of enlistment during the ceremony, which kicked off the Thunder Over Louisville air show. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Dale Greer)
In honor of Halvorsen, who became known as the Berlin Candy Bomber and was guest of honor at this year’s show, a Kentucky Air Guard C-130 Hercules air-dropped two simulated bundles of candy over the Ohio River before a crowd of more than 650,000 spectators.
Other highlights of the air show included performances by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds aerial demonstration squadron, the U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team and the U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier Demonstration Team.
Story by Maj. Dale Greer, 123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
President Barack Obama transits through the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., aboard Air Force One April 2, 2105. Obama was in town to discus job training and economic growth during a visit to Indatus, a Louisville-based technology company that focuses on cloud-based applications. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Dale Greer)
KENTUCKY AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, LOUISVILLE, Ky. — President Barack Obama arrived here April 2 aboard Air Force One as part of a visit to Louisville to discuss job creation in the technology sector.
After stepping off Air Force One, Obama traveled downtown to address a gathering of employees and guests at Indatus, a Louisville company that specializes in cloud-based applications. During his speech, Obama praised Indatus as a model for “innovation and job creation here in the 21st century.”
President Barack Obama transits through the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., aboard Air Force One April 2, 2105. Obama was in town to discus job training and economic growth during a visit to Indatus, a Louisville-based technology company that focuses on cloud-based applications. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Dale Greer)
See all photos on our flickr page.
The president also used the occasion to promote a new initiative called TechHire that’s designed to train employees for high-tech jobs.
“It brings employers and local governments together to support innovative job-training programs like online classes, coding boot camps and community college courses designed by local employers,” Obama explained.
The president returned to the Kentucky Air Guard Base for departure, where he was greeted by Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, Kentucky’s adjutant general, and Col. Barry Gorter, commander of the 123rd Airlift Wing.
Story by Maj. Dale Greer, 123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Maj. Scott Petz, a pilot with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds aerial demonstration squadron, taxies his F-16 Fighting Falcon to a parking spot at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., Feb. 12, 2015. Petz was in Louisville to coordinate logistics for the Thunderbirds team, which will be the marquee attraction at this year’s Thunder Over Louisville air show April 18. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Dale Greer)
LOUISVILLE , Ky. — Two members of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds arrived at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base today in preparation for the Thunder Over Louisville air show, flying their trademark red-white-and-blue F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft.
Click here for more photos of their visit to Louisville!
The Airmen are in town to coordinate logistics, maintenance and air show requirements with aviation officials and members of the Kentucky Air National Guard, who will provide the Thunderbirds with complete support during the April 18 air show, according to Maj. Scott Petz, the team’s advance pilot and narrator.
Maj. Scott Petz, a pilot with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds aerial demonstration squadron, speaks with members of the news media at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., Feb. 12, 2015. Petz was in Louisville to coordinate logistics for the Thunderbirds team, which will be the marquee attraction at this year’s Thunder Over Louisville air show April 18. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Dale Greer)
Petz promises an exciting show.
“We’re looking forward to bringing the whole crew — 60-plus personnel and eight high-performance F-16 aircraft,” he said. During the show, “six aircraft will fly within 18 inches of one another in a diamond formation, and two opposing soloists perform high-speed passes.”
“It’s going to be a great show.”
While the Thunderbirds will serve as the marquee act this year, Thunder Over Louisville continues to feature a wide range of civilian and military aircraft, said Mike Riordan, the show’s air boss.
Those aircraft include a T-28 “warbird” demo team called the Trojan Horsemen, and multiple vintage World War II-era planes. Other acts scheduled to perform include the U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute demonstration team and the U.S. Marine Corps Harrier Demo Team.
“A lot of people don’t realize how big (Thunder Over Louisville) has become,” Riordan said. “It’s the fifth-largest air show in the country and draws up to 500,000 spectators every year.”
This year’s event, themed “Boom with a View,” is the 26th Thunder Over Louisville. The Thunderbirds last appeared here in 1997.
Story by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Veterans, Service members and the city of Louisville came together to commemorate Veterans Day with a parade and ceremony in Louisville, Ky., Nov. 11, 2014. The event was among a week-long series of events Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer designated the Week of Valor. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — In honor of Veterans Day, the Kentucky National Guard partnered with the city of Louisville, Mayor Greg Fischer and local Veterans organizations to support a patriotic parade and ceremony, Nov. 11, as part of the mayor’s Week of Valor. Fischer designated the week “to honor and celebrate the contributions of active-duty military, veterans and their families.” The series of events will focus on facilitating Veterans’ transition back to civilian life through resources for employment and healthcare.
At the eleventh minute of the eleventh hour Tuesday morning, in tribute to Armistice Day in 1918, the parade began to march through the streets. Hundreds of school children waved American flags along a windy Main Street downtown, as scores of spectators welcomed the parade of Veterans and military Service members.
Click here for more photos.
Kentucky’s Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini joined Fischer and Heather French Henry, Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs at the end of the parade route. Tonini contributed the success of the Kentucky Guard today to the Veterans of the community and the Commonwealth.
Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer presents Kentucky’s Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini with a plaque honoring the Kentucky National Guard during a Veterans Day ceremony in Louisville, Ky., Nov. 11, 2014. The mayor referred to the Kentucky National Guard as the “best of the best” for their service to the community, the Commonwealth and the Nation. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Olivia Burton)
“The legacy of our veterans, of profound sacrifice and dedication, is what made our modern military the powerhouse it is today,” said Tonini. “We owe so much to our Veterans. That tradition of dedication, sacrifice and excellence lives on in the Kentucky National Guard.”
Henry assisted Tonini in recognizing several recent accomplishments of the Kentucky Guard, including the 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry’s winning the Kerwin Award, awarded to the battalion with the highest level of readiness in its respective component. The infantry battalion also won the Eisenhower Trophy for the Army National Guard unit in each state rated the most outstanding during the training year.
The 307th Component Repair Company was recognized for winning the Army Award for Maintenance Excellence and the 2nd Battalion, 75th Recruiting and Retention for meeting its recruiting numbers for an eleventh straight year.
Lastly, the 123rd Airlift Wing of the Kentucky Air Guard received the Metcalf award, bestowed annually by the National Guard Bureau, recognizing the airlift or air refueling unit that demonstrates the highest standards of mission accomplishment. The 123rd also was commended for winning its 16th Air Force Outstanding Award. Making them the most decorated airlift unit in the entire Air National Guard.
The accomplishments even brought Fischer to describe the Kentucky Guard as the “best of the best.”
Children from Price Elementary School in Louisville, Ky., wave American Flags during a Veterans Day parade in the city, Nov. 11, 2014. The parade was followed by a massing of the colors ceremony including color guards of local high school Junior ROTCs and local Veterans organizations. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
“The City of Louisville has a great partnership with the Guard. They do all kinds of things here in our community as well as serving our country.” said Fischer. “We can always count on them.”
Fischer recognized organizations such as the Veterans Community Alliance of Louisville who support Service members and local businesses including UPS and Ford with initiatives to employ current and former military personnel. Fischer expressed his hopes that the Week of Valor would bring attention to the resources and programs designed to improve Kentucky Veterans’ lives.
“Our goal here in Louisville is to become the most Veteran-friendly city in the whole United States of America.”
Story by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Spc. Anthony Bucaro with the 2138th Forward Support Company mans his security checkpoint along the fairway of the 2nd hole at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Ky., Aug. 7, 2014. More than 40 Guardsmen assisted Louisville Metro Police Department with security details at the club for the PGA Championship. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Kentucky hasn’t seen a golf outing this big since the Ryder Cup back in 2008. In a return to the prestigious Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, the Pro Golf Association brought it’s 96th Championship event to the commonwealth, Aug 4-10.
An estimated 55,000 spectators per day lined the course and filled makeshift parking lots with their vehicles for the week-long event. In order to secure the club property and the surrounding streets, Louisville Metro Police Department requested the assistance of the Kentucky National Guard.
Spc. Harley Lyons with the 203rd Forward Support Company works alongside Officer Cameron Leek with Louisville Metro Police Department in directing traffic outside Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Ky., Aug. 7, 2014. Kentucky Guardsmen augmented local law enforcement in and out of the club to ensure player and spectator safety during the PGA Championship. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
Approximately 45 Soldiers augmented police officers and Valhalla’s security to ensure the safety of the players, employees and fans. The majority of the Soldiers were from the 2138th Forward Support Company (FSC), with a few from the 2nd Battalion, 138th Field Artillery and the 203rd FSC. The officer-in-charge of security, 1st Lt. Michael Hallas said the Guard needed local units for the mission and the Louisville-based 2138th fit the bill.
“This is a great mission to be on,” said Hallas. “There’s thousands of people here and the 2138th becomes the face of the Kentucky National Guard.”
According to Hallas, the Guardsmen were organized into two groups, one for perimeter security for the course and one for traffic control outside the club grounds. As the mission required around-the-clock operations, two shifts were also set up to comply with the needs of Valhalla.
The task was one the 2138th would not normally be assigned to, but several of the Soldiers deployed to the Horn of Africa in 2012 where they performed similar security missions at Camp Lemmonier, Djibouti. Spc. DeMarcus Hopson was one of them and said that experience set them up for success in any assignment at home.
Spc. Hunter Hood with the 203rd Forward Support Company secures the tee box of the 9th hole at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Ky., Aug. 7, 2014. More than 55,000 spectators were expected to crowd the course each day during the PGA Championship. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
“Being part of a support unit, this is a bit different from what we normally do, but we are all Soldiers first,” said Hopson. “And its a great opportunity to mingle with thousands of people and let them know the Kentucky National Guard is out here doing things to support the communities in different ways.”
In addition to the security and traffic, Guardsmen with the Kentucky Guard’s communications section were on hand to set up radio communications with all Soldiers on the ground.
As the large crowds that followed Phil Mickelson and Rory McIlroy converged on the 18th hole on Sunday, Soldiers of the Kentucky Guard were given another thumbs-up for a successful mission completed. Maj. Kelly Jones, Special Operations Commander for LMPD said the size of the event demanded a lot from the city and surrounding communities and that the assistance was needed and appreciated.
“We are truly blessed to have members of the Kentucky National Guard helping us out with this event,” he said. “Soldiers of the Kentucky National Guard should be thanked day in and day for all they do, not just this weekend, but we simply could not have pulled this off without them.”
Story by Staff Sgt. Vicky Spesard, 123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
More than 500 family members and retirees attended The 123rd Airlift Wing’s annual Family Day at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., on July 13, 2014. This year’s event was the largest ever hosted by the wing and featured such activities as a tug-of-war tournament, petting zoo and pony rides. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Joshua Horton)
KENTUCKY AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Children, spouses, parents and retirees all came together here July 13 for the 123rd Airlift Wing’s annual Family Day, which honors their support of nearly 1,200 Kentucky Air National Guardsmen.
The day’s events began in the Fuel Cell Hangar, where wing commander Col. Barry Gorter welcomed more than 500 visitors to the base.
“Our families are the ones who make the greatest sacrifice when we deploy or travel for work,” Gorter said. “Our families are the ones who provide the stability we need in our homes, families and communities when duty calls us away. Today is a small ‘thank you’ to each of our families.”
More than 500 family members and retirees attended The 123rd Airlift Wing’s annual Family Day at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., on July 13, 2014. This year’s event was the largest ever hosted by the wing and featured such activities as a tug-of-war tournament, petting zoo and pony rides. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Joshua Horton)
At one end of the hangar, family members and their Airmen noshed on hamburgers, hotdogs, chicken, potato salad, and many other picnic-style foods provided by the local Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Kentucky Air Guard Key Volunteer Group. At the other end, an Army-Air Force Exchange Service store offered shoppers a variety of merchandise, while booths from the American Red Cross, the Department of Veterans Affairs and safety vendors provided information on personal and home safety.
Across the base, live music performed by the Allen Lane Band and The BCB and Company could be heard throughout the day as children enjoyed bounce houses, games and face-painting, while adults participated in tug-of-war contests and a corn hole tournament. New events this year included a petting zoo, pony rides and a bicycle rodeo.
“This is a wonderful event with so many great activities,” said Senior Master Sgt. Iris Smith, who brought her son and husband to the day’s festivities. “It is great to see other members of the unit with their families and to enjoy activities alongside them. It gives us a chance to catch up with those we don’t normally get to see during our normal work day, meet their families and reconnect with retirees.”
Sherry Board, who attended the event with her two daughters in support of her son, Senior Airman Montaze Wright, said she appreciated the opportunity to learn more about her son’s work.
“This has been a great experience for me to be invited inside the base to see what my son does here and meet the people he works with,” Board said. “I can see that a lot of attention and detail was put into today’s events to make a great Family Day for everyone.”
According to Gorter, the day would not have been a success without the help of numerous individuals on base and the support of volunteer organizations that made many contributions, including items for a silent auction and door prizes.
“Not only do we need to thank our family members, but we need to recognize all of the folks who made today’s events possible,” Gorter said. “All of these volunteers are doing amazing things on our behalf, and we couldn’t provide a day like this without their support.”
Story by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Lt. Col. Bryan Howay receives the brigade colors from Adjutant General Edward W. Tonini during a change of command ceremony for the 75th Troop Command in Louisville, Ky., May 17, 2014. Howay took charge of the unit from Col. Mike Abell, who had led the 75th since 2012. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — In a sign of things to come, Soldiers of the Kentucky National Guard’s 75th Troop Command gathered for a change of command ceremony May 17 at the future home of the brigade, the Butler Reserve Center in Louisville, Kentucky.
Lt. Col. Bryan Howay assumed command of the 75th from Col. Mike Abell on the grounds of the new location for the Kentucky Guard near Louisville’s Bowman Field. The 75th has undergone a major realignment over the past year and now finds itself the tenant of what Adjutant General Edward W. Tonini called, “A magnificent facility, perfectly suited for the needs of the newly christened 75th Troop Command.”
Tonini also called the acquisition of the building a career-long endeavor and said the Guard will soon begin remodeling to accommodate the brigade headquarters and two battalions of the 75th.
Col. Mike Abell speaks to Soldiers of the 75th Troop Command during a change of command ceremony in Louisville, Ky., May 17, 2014. The ceremony was the first event the Kentucky Guard held at its newest facility, the former Butler Reserve Center in Louisville. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
“As we plan the future of this unit and its headquarters, we will continue to show our Guard’s interchangeability and adaptability to new missions, technologies and challenges,” he said.
Tonini praised both Abell and Howay as “models of professionalism and sterling examples of the Kentucky Guard’s ethos of ‘Unbridled Service’.”
Howay has been a member of the Kentucky Guard since 1987 and served as the 75th’s executive officer since 2012. He has led Kentucky Guardsmen in a variety of missions in support of both the commonwealth at home and the country overseas. Even with all the changes the unit has had, he said the unit will be ready for its next assignment.
“A Soldier doesn’t get to go from a private in 1987 to the level of brigade commander without the support of a lot of people along the way,” said Howay. “It’s been a long road, but now it’s just time to get ready for the next mission, whatever that may be. That is now the focus of the 75th Troop Command.”
Click here to see more photos from the ceremony.
Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Johnson, 75th’s command sergeant major has served with both the incoming and outgoing commanders and said they have always kept the Soldiers of their commands at the center of their attention. A fact Johnson said is key to the success of any unit.
Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Johnson (right) presents Col. Mike Abell, outgoing commander of the 75th Troop Command with a token of appreciation from the brigade. The gift included both guidons of the 75th and the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade. (U.S. Army national Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
“Today’s event signified that Kentucky leaders have proven that being a competent and effective leader is still at the forefront, especially with the military drawdown,” he said. “Both of these men have earned it.”
“They have proven and demonstrated the high standards they set are successful, but it has always been in support of the command and most importantly the Soldiers and their families.”
Story by Master Sgt. Phil Speck, 123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs Office
U.S. Navy Blue Angels F/A-18 Hornets taxi onto the flight line at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., April 10, 2014. The Blue Angels are performing in this weekend’s Thunder Over Louisville air show. (U.S. Air National Guard Photo by Maj. Dale Greer)
KENTUCKY AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The military aircraft slated to participate in this weekend’s Thunder Over Louisville air show began arriving at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base April 10.
Six U.S. Navy Blue Angel F/A-18 Hornets, the Blue Angels’ C-130 support aircraft and the U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team all arrived here before noon.
The Blue Angels’ flight demonstration will showcase the choreographed refinement of skills possessed by all naval aviators, according to Lt. Ryan Chamberlain, Blue Angel number seven, air show narrator and VIP pilot.
Click here to see more photos of the Blue Angels arrival and practice in Louisville.
The U.S. Navy Blue Angels practice their aerial demonstration routine over the Ohio River in downtown Louisville, Ky., April 10, 2014. The Blue Angels are performing in this weekend’s Thunder Over Louisville air show. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Dale Greer)
“The fans will see the pride and professionalism of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps,” Chamberlain said of the Blue Angels show, scheduled to kick off at 3:30 p.m. Saturday. “You’re going to see formation flying as close as 18 inches, you’re going to see airspeeds approaching just under the speed of sound, crossing maneuvers at 1,000 miles per hour and an overall showcase of what its like to be in naval aviation.”
Chamberlain said the demonstration will give citizens a good opportunity to see the capabilities of Naval aviation up close, fostering stronger ties between the military and civilian communities.
“The Navy and Marine Corps are all about naval aviation,” he said. “We can’t bring an aircraft carrier to Louisville, but we can bring the Blue Angels. We’re used to flying great aircraft off of great aircraft carriers, and we can bring that experience with the Blue Angels to the people of Louisville.”
The Blue Angels demonstration will start with the C-130, affectionately known as Fat Albert. Shortly thereafter, the team’s F/A-18 pilots will demonstrate a four-jet Diamond Formation in concert with the fast-paced, high-performance maneuvers of two solo pilots. Finally, the team will illustrate precision flying by performing maneuvers while locked as a unit in the six-jet Delta Formation.
Also arriving for the air show was the U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor, the world’s most sophisticated and capable fighter aircraft.
A U.S. Air Force F-22 “Raptor” fighter aircraft lands at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., April 10, 2014. The aircraft is performing in this weekend’s Thunder Over Louisville air show. (U.S. Air National Guard Photo by Maj. Dale Greer)
“The aspects that make the F-22 superior to other fighters are three things,” said Capt. Ryan Shelhorse, F-22 flight commander and demo team safety observer. “Supercruise, the ability to get to mach without afterburners; integrated avionics, allowing the pilot to track, identify, shoot and kill air-to-air threats before being detected; and stealth, which allows the plane to operate in an environment where other aircraft typically can not.
“Viewers of the air show will see a world-class act and high-performance enhanced maneuvers,” Shelhorse added.
Joining the F/A-18 and F-22 will be aircraft from the German and Canadian air forces, as well as local and national aerobatic acts.
Military aircraft participating in the show will once again be operating from the Kentucky Air National Guard Base, whose Airmen have provided hundreds of hours of support to Thunder.
“The Kentucky Air National Guard is always pleased to support Thunder Over Louisville, which kicks off the Kentucky Derby Festival each year,” said Capt. Josh Ketterer, Thunder coordinator for the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Airlift Wing. “By partnering with the Kentucky Derby Festival, we have an incredible opportunity to reach a tremendous amount of people and share with them the amazing capabilities of America’s military aircraft and the dedicated men and women who serve in the United States Armed Forces.”
Check out this video about a Kentucky Guardsman who will be flying his own aircraft in the show.
