F-22 RAPTOR HEADLINES SHAWFEST 2008

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SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  The Air Force's newest fighter, the F-22 Raptor, will roar through the skies over Sumter and Shaw AFB during Shaw's community appreciation day, ShawFest 2008 "Thunder Over the Midlands," set for Sept. 6 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The F-22 Raptor combines stealth, supercruise, maneuverability, and integrated avionics, coupled with improved supportability, representing an exponential leap in warfighting capabilities.

During ShawFest 2008, The Air Combat Command F-22 Demonstration Team will perform precision aerial maneuvers to demonstrate the unique capabilities of the world's only operational fifth-generation fighter aircraft. Team members also exhibit the professional qualities the Air Force develops in the people who fly, maintain and support these aircraft.

Additional information, photos and videos on the F-22 demonstration team can be found on their Web site at http://www.acc.af.mil/aerialevents/f22a/index.asp.

ShawFest is free and open to the public with free parking. Gates open at 7:30 a.m. and the show begins at 10 a.m.

Other aircraft taking to the sky besides the F-22 Raptor are the C-17 Globemaster III, P-51 Mustang and Shaw's own F-16 Fighting Falcon. Visitors will also see a wide variety of vintage and modern aircraft on the ground like the C-45, A-10 Thunderbolt, HC-130, MH-53, F/A-18 and the V-22 Osprey.

Shaw AFB is located just off Highway 378 in Sumter, S.C. For complete directions to the base or more details on ShawFest 2008, please visit our Web site at www.shaw.af.mil and click on the link for ShawFest 2008.

NOTE: For more information on the event please call the 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office at (803) 895-2019. Please RSVP by Aug. 28 to ensure adequate media parking is available. Media members interested in media flights should contact Public Affairs ASAP.