Posted on 09/01/2014 7:03:41 AM PDT by equaviator
Macomb County citizens shouldn't miss the chance to see our military dollars at work during the Open House and Air Show at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Harrison Township, Sept. 6 and 7.
It's an increasingly rare opportunity to examine military vehicles and aircraft up close.
"It's been biannual since the 1950s, but now is shifting to every third year," said Maj. Bart Ward, open house director. "This is one of the rare times to get on the base." It also is one of the best opportunities to touch military hardware.
The general public is welcome, since the purpose is to explain the base's mission with exhibits, displays and demonstrations.
The theme of the show this year is women in aviation. So, in addition to the headlining U.S. Navy Blue Angels - led by Clinton Township-native Commander Tom Frosch demonstrating daring, speed, skill and precision, including in the surprisingly nimble "Fat Albert", a U.S. Marine Corps C-130 Hercules four-turboprop transport there will be a host of female pilots in the air as well. Among those expected for show are: Patty Wagstaff, a three-time U.S. National Aerobatic champion, as well as the first woman champion ever; Jacquie Warda, who launched her aerobatic career 12 years ago at the age of 50; Melissa Pemberton; Julie Clark in her restored T-34A Mentor; Suzanne Oliver, who began flying gliders at age 14 and was a certified flight instructor by 18; and the all-women skydiving team Misty Blues.
Other featured performers include John Klatt in his Air National Guard MXS; a U.S.A.F. KC-135 Stratotanker; Randy W. Ball in the MiG-17 transonic fighter; the ethanol-fueled four-ship Vanguard Squadron; the U.S.A.F. A-10 Thunderbolt II; and beloved air show announcer Hugh Oldham.
The Military Air Museum, usually closed during the open house/air show, is open this year, too. It's usually closed because it's a bit of a hike from the air show spectator area to the museum. This year, "From 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., there will be a (free shuttle) bus from the main entrance to the museum and back," Ward said.
"Seeing airplanes is the easiest thing to do, but we will have much more," Ward said. In addition to static aircraft, some of which you can enter, there will be informational displays about the ANG's civil engineers and other military, aviation, and technology subjects. Security forces will have a demonstration, as will the U.S. Coast Guard.
On Saturday there will be a tent dedicated to the WASP (Women Air Force Service Pilots) and a couple of mini-concerts, featuring Ladies for Liberty, an Andrews Sisters-style singing troupe.
There is also a Kids Zone, with large aviation-themed inflatables, extreme air jumps, rope courses, climbing wall and more, as well as a hospitality area specifically for families with children, with changing stations, resting areas and cool-down stations.
Food concessions will be available on a cash-only basis, although some outside food and beverages will be permitted (see sidebar).
Gates will open at 8 a.m. each day until about 4 p.m., following the Blue Angels air show. Guests are encouraged to arrive early.
Selfridge Air National Guard Base is located east of Mount Clemens along the shore of Lake St. Clair, accessible for the open house from I-94, exit 241 (21 Mile Road) or exit 237 (North River Road). General admission and parking is free for the entire Open House and Air Show, but premium seats are available for a cost.
For more information, visit selfridgeopenhouse.com or follow the Open House on Facebook at www.facebook.com/selfridgeopenhouseandairshow.
fyi
Selfridge was I believe the first person killed in an air crash.
Selfridge is only about 8 miles away, a straight shot down M-59 from my house and I’ve never been to any of their shows.........
Selfridge was great back in the 70’s when the Confederate Air Force used to bring quite a few WWII warbirds/bombers. Lot’s of other static/aerial displays back then. Haven’t been to one of their shows in decades.
You’d probably be able to see the Blue Angels from there but they look and sound so much better from just off the flight line @ show center.
Mr Lacey’s first duty station. We lived there for a year.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.
