On Saturday, October 22nd the skies over Anderson will ring with the Sound of Freedom as the U.S. Navy Tactical Demonstration Team’s “RHINO” F/A-18 SUPER HORNET takes off to headline the 2016 Anderson Regional Airshow Presented by Anderson County. The Rhino’s superior maneuverability and handling will be on full display so all may behold the brains, guts, and glory that Make America Great!
If it’s Raw Power you’re looking for, the world famous “Shockwave Jet Truck, the most powerful truck in the world, will hit the runway to the delight of spectators! Capable of world-record speeds in excess of 375 miles per hour, Shockwave’s three J34-48 Pratt & Whitney Jet Engines and 36,000 total horsepower will Rock. Your. World.
The Power of Shockwave and the Glory of the Super Hornet will serve as a backdrop for Airshow 2016’s special salute to those who served in Vietnam and stood tall against the aggression of forces bent on world domination.
The Airshow will kick off with a Veterans Walk and appearance by the Special Forces Association Parachute Team, featuring active duty and retired military parachute jumpers supported by current members of the Department of Defense. The Army Aviation Heritage Foundation (AAHF) will perform a tactical demonstration using Vietnam-era UH-1H “Huey” & AH-1F “Cobra” helicopters.
The event will also feature “Take Me Home Huey”, a sculpture by artist Steve Maloney in partnership with Light Horse Legacy.
Made from a boneyard Huey helicopter which was shot down with two casualties during a 1969 Medevac mission in Vietnam, “Take Me Home Huey” was created to promote healing and awareness of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
In what is sure to be a very special Legacy moment, the three surviving members of the “Take Me Home Huey” crew will be reuniting at the airshow and flying together in a Huey for the first time since their chopper was shot down in Vietnam.
Many more exciting attractions will be available on the ground and in the air for spectators to enjoy, including the WWII-era “Tinker Bell” C-46 Commando.
Freedom isn’t Free, but Airshow 2016 is free to the public! Presented by Anderson County and in partnership with several local businesses and individuals, Airshow 2016 is offered as “Gift to the People of Anderson County”. No charges for admission or parking. Concessions will be available for purchase on the grounds.
Also available will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to purchase rides on an authentic UH-1H “Huey” or AH-1F “Cobra” helicopter! Offered by the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation, ride fees are $75.00/Huey rider, $325.00/Standard Cobra, and $525.00/Extended Cobra rides. Standard Ride is 6-7 minutes and Extended Ride is 13-14 minutes.
Organizers have met their initial fundraising goal, but additional community support will mean more entertainment in the air and on the ground. If you would like to learn about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Airshow 2016 Committee Chair Butch Jones by email: butchjones1036@gmail.com.
“We hope you and your family can join us for this special celebration of the American Spirit”, said Anderson County Council Chairman Tommy Dunn. “What better way to spend a beautiful fall Saturday afternoon than enjoying the fruits of our nation’s freedom with your family?”
Airshow 2016 will be held on Saturday, October 22nd at Anderson Regional Airport, just off of SC Highway 24 near the intersection of Michelin Boulevard. Gates will open at 10 AM with the show kicking off at 1:00 PM. Parking is free but limited, so attendees are encouraged to arrive early. Acts and schedules are subject to change, so check for changes by visiting our website: http://andairshow.com
