Misawa welcomes 2009 Air Fest

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Stefanie Torres
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  The time has arrived for Misawa Air Base to open its gates and showcase what is maybe the most exciting air festival to date. 

On Oct. 18, Misawa is expecting more than 250,000 visitors to experience up close what the U.S. Air Force and Japanese Air Self-Defense Force have to offer. Along with various aircraft used for various missions around the world, the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force's Blue Impulse, is scheduled to headline at 10:10 a.m., and the U.S. Air Force's premier demonstration team, the Thunderbirds, is scheduled to perform at 12:40 p.m. with 

"This air show is much larger than last year's," said Lt. Col. Joseph McFall, 35th Operations Support Squadron commander. "There will be more than 30 aircraft from all branches of the U.S. military and Japanese Air Force." 

In addition to the Thunderbirds and Blue Impulse, there will also be demonstrations from various other U.S. and Japanese aerial teams, which include Pacific Air Force's own F-16 Fighting Falcon demonstration team, who is scheduled to perform at 2:45 p.m. The U.S. Air Force's Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape parachute teams comprised of SERE members from across Japan will also entertain audiences by parachuting from varying heights. Other aerial demonstrations include a B-52 Stratofortress flyover, a JASDF multi-aircraft formation and demonstrations by a C-17 Globemaster III and a JASDF F-2. Joining the list of performances will be the U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific, known as the Greatlanders. 

"This is going to be six hours of constant excitement," said Colonel McFall. "The heart of the air fest is the JASDF, and we will support them in every way. The air fest is also a great opportunity to showcase our professionalism and show off what a great base we have." 

A quarter of a million people plan to attend and there is limited space that comes with a large amount of people. Prohibited items include chairs and coolers. 

"We don't have enough space for some additional items like chairs or coolers," said Tech. Sgt. Hans Vang, 35th Security Forces Squadron police services. "Eliminating these items will also cut down on foreign object damage to the aircraft." 

Visitors should also avoid bringing bags. All bags will be searched and excess items will slow entry into the base. Other items that are prohibited are alcohol, drugs and weapons.
"We do this because we want everyone to be safe," said Sergeant Vang.
Various vendors from throughout Japan along with numerous organizations, will also be on hand selling a wide range of foods and souvenirs. 

The main gate will close to vehicle traffic Oct. 18 at 4:30 a.m., and the Levitow gate will open at 4:30 a.m. for vehicle traffic. 

Click here for more information and scheduled times of performances.