Airpower Arkansas 2008 Press Release Published Aug. 8, 2008 By 082908 Oct. 18 to 19 -- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE LRAFB AIR SHOW/OPEN HOUSE, OCT. 18-19, OPEN TO PUBLIC (RELEASE #2) LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark.- Mark your calendars! Little Rock Air Force Base's open house is set for Saturday and Sunday, October 18 and 19, and is open to the public. The United States' Navy's premier aerial demonstration team, the Blue Angels, will highlight this year's show, which boasts a "Combat Airlift" theme for 2008. Also performing at the open house will be the United States' Army's Parachute Team, "The Golden Knights." The T-28 Warbird Formation/Acro Team, also known as "Trojan Horseman," will perform their amazing acrobatics overhead. Another ground act, Shockwave -- a jet truck which has a record speed of 376 mph on a mile- long runway -- will also be performing. In addition, this year's announcer will be an Emmy Award winner, Rob Reider. The Viper West F-16 demonstration team, the USAF's Air Combat Command Heritage Flight, the newest airlifter to enter the USAF's inventory: the C-17, Fat Albert Airlines, Mike Rinker and aircraft SU-26 "Pink Floyd," the Trojan Horseman, and the disabled American Veterans B-52 "Special Delivery" will also be in the entertainment line up of this year's air show. "Stepping Stones to Aviation," a program designed to enrich the education of children by introducing them to the experience of flight in an exciting hands-on program, will be here to let children climb into the realistic simulators, pedal down a colorful runway, and taxi into a controlled airspace. Static displays for ground-based viewing pleasure include: the F-22 Raptor, the F-15 Eagle, KC-135 Stratofortress, OH-58 Kiowa Warrior, EC-130 J Commando Solo, C-17, C-21, C-130E & J, B-25 and much more. The base's open house -- more commonly known as "air show" -- is the largest single spectator event in the state of Arkansas, attracting people from not only around the state, but from adjoining states as well, and is the largest open house in the U.S. South Central region. The Blue Angels performed at the 2006 open house, and more than 250,000 spectators were in attendance. This year's show is expected to be even bigger. The open house gives the base the opportunity to showcase its' mission as the world's largest C-130 training base and dazzle spectators with amazing aerial and ground events from all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces from varying eras. In what is known as a "combat capabilities" exercise, our own C-130 aircraft will show what they do in combat: paratroopers will jump in an exciting display of military power and they'll drop heavy equipment and other cargo. Five solid hours of flying and military-related entertainment for attendees will be at available at this year's super-charged two-day air show/open house. Come join us and see static displays of military aircraft up close, and speak with the crews that fly them. Also available for spectators to participate in will be the U.S. Army's "Virtual Army Experience." Participants will employ teamwork, rules of engagement, leadership, and high-tech equipment in a virtual Army mission. Souvenir, food and information booths will also be available. As always, admission and parking are free. For everyone's safety, all visitors and their vehicles will be subject to search. No coolers, pets, or backpacks are allowed at the open house. Due to limited parking, RVs will not be allowed on base. The Little Rock Air Force Base is located off of Hwy 67/167, at the Jacksonville exit, Exit 11, marked LRAFB. Gates will open at 8:30 a.m. and close at 4:30 p.m. View continuous updates to this year's air show line up and find more information at www.littlerock.af.mil or call 501-987-2278 for a recorded informational message . (Note: Interview with this year's air show organizers and performers are available. Please contact 314th Airlift Wing Public Affairs' SrA Jason Elkins or A1C Vanessa Dale at 501-987-3601 to schedule interviews.)