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ShawFest shines through Saturday with air show

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. John Gordinier
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  ShawFest 2008 "Thunder over the Midlands" was not intended to represent Tropical Storm Hanna, but immediately following the storm approximately 40 to 50, 000 people kept their eyes to the sky as Shaw hosted an air show, which showcased America's Airmen, the Air Force's leading technology, vintage aircraft and extreme aerial demonstrations Sept. 6. 

"ShawFest was an opportunity for us to show our appreciation to the communities that support Team Shaw and all of our Armed Forces every day," said Col. James Post, 20th Fighter Wing commander. 

There was plenty for the crowd to see. 

The Air Force's newest fighter, the F-22 Raptor, roared through the skies over Sumter and Shaw. The F-22 Demonstration Team, from Langley AFB, Va., performed precision aerial maneuvers to demonstrate the unique capabilities of the world's only operational fifth-generation fighter aircraft. 

"I love air shows," said 10-year-old Lance Ragan, a spectator. "The F-22 (Raptor) was an awesome sight. I like the speed and 650 miles per hour, what a speed!" 

More aircraft took to the sky, including Shaw's own F-16 Fighting Falcons featured by the Viper East Demonstration Team, one of two F-16 aerial teams in Air Combat Command. 

Another featured performer was aerial acrobatics from Tim Weber. 

Tim has flown a variety of aircraft and experienced thousands of hours of acrobatic flying. His aggressive flying and natural ability has dazzled crowds and enabled him to become one of the top air show performers in the U.S. today. 

During ShawFest, Tim flew an Extra 300S; a German-built unlimited-class composite monoplane stressed to handle the most demanding maneuvers. It has a 300+ horsepower motor and a roll rate of more than 420 degrees per second. 

Watching the jets from past to present was very special for one spectator. 

Jack Lewis, a retired P-51 Mustang pilot, flew the aircraft in the very first Air Force air show at Mitchell Field outside of New York City in 1946, directly after World War II. 

Mr. Lewis said the air shows today are similar to air shows then, except there is a lot more for the public to see now. He said he especially enjoyed the announcer, since there really wasn't one back in the 40's, so people didn't really know what was going on. During ShawFest, the announcer informed the public every step of the way, through every aerial demonstration and maneuver. 

"During the first air show, the demonstration was only about an hour, because the war had just ended and there was a gasoline shortage," Mr. Lewis said. "Now, there is so much for the public to see; this is a great show." 

"I've been to five air shows and this was the best yet," Lance Ragan said. 

"This was a unique opportunity to see, touch and feel the excitement that's not only in the air, but on the ground," said Lt. Col. Jay Wilkerson, ShawFest 2008 director. "We enjoyed meeting folks from across the region and strengthening our bond with the local community. ShawFest was our way of thanking the public for all the support they give us."