Airmen showcase B-1s, C-130s at international air show in England

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jennifer Romig
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  A Dyess B-1 Bomber and C-130 and its air crews and maintainers returned July 21 from a 6-day trip to England in support of the world's largest air show, the Royal International Air Tattoo. 

The B-1 and the C-130 were sure crowd pleaser' s, having the aircrew' s on their feet for two days explaining each aircraft and giving tours. 

"I feel privileged to be here because not a lot of Airmen get to do this kind of thing, and see all the different things here or participate in events like this," said Senior Airman Michael Thomas, 40th Airlift Squadron. 

Although the B-1 didn't fly, it was still a favorite among the crowd of 160,000 spectators. 

"I have been coming to this air show for five years and every year I can't wait to see this beautiful B-1," said Milly Watson from Dover, England. "I wish it was flying, but every year its beauty does not let me down." 

"If Ireland had this kind of plane you could sign me up to be in the air force," said William Connor from Ireland. 

Another main attraction was a show by the Avro Vulcan known as an "iconic warbird of the Cold War." The Vulcan performed numerous flybys and tricks. Not known to be one of the quietest aircrafts in the air show, the Vulcan's thunderous booms brought the audience to their feet for a round of applause.

After its descent and taxi to a parking space, a large crowd swarmed the gates closest to the Vulcan to get photos and a glimpse of this once retired plane. This Vulcan is the only operating one of its kind, according to its pilots. 

Other star attractions in the sky included the Royal Air Force's Red Arrows, the Italians Frecce Tricolor and the Fly Navy 100 Anniversary flypast. The Fly Navy 100 Anniversary involved more than 40 different aircrafts in close formation. 

"The atmosphere here at RIAT is very lively and everyone seems to really enjoy seeing the aircraft," said Staff Sgt. William Newell, 7th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.
"It's like watching different beautiful birds coming together to create a gorgeous scenery," said Thomas O'Keiff, an audience member. 

Helicopters showed off their amazing abilities that caught the audience by surprise.
"I didn't think helli's were suppose to go upside down and sideways like that. I really thought they would just fall to the ground," said Ashley Connor from Swindon, England. 

Before the show could end, the B-52 air crew from Barksdale Air Force Base, La., was asked to take a photo and tour with the Avro Vulcan, a rare opportunity. Not only did the B-52 crew get to see the outside of the aircraft up close, they were allowed to view the cockpit also.

"This is a real privilege and honor," said Staff Sgt. Brad Beames, a B-52 crew chief.

To end the show, the Red Arrows launched into the sky to show the audience all the gravity defying stunts they could perform. The pilots were so precise they could have given each other high fives as they performed formations such as the "cobra" and the "goose". 

The rainy weather didn't slow down this acrobatic team. Using the sky as their canvas, the Red Arrows painted the sky red, white and blue in a graceful, yet gripping show. After the finale, the crowd stood up, gave a standing ovation, but soon realized that RIAT was coming to an end.

"I hope next year is just as wonderful as this year; this is the kind of event that makes you feel all gooey inside and patriotic no matter what country you're from," said Joshua Herness from Whales, England. "I would stand in a snowy mess if I had to just so I can see these awesome birds. I just want to say thank you to all the pilots and crew that participated and to let them know they put on an amazing show. I will definitely be back next year."