Offutt air show to return in 2014

  • Published
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  After a one year hiatus, the Defenders of Freedom Open House and Air Show will return to Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., on July 19-20, 2014.

"We're excited to have been selected to host an open house in 2014," said U.S. Air Force Col. Gregory Guillot, 55th Wing commander. "We enjoy opening our gates and showing the local community what our Airmen do on a daily basis, so we're thrilled to be able to do it again this year."

With the exception of runway repairs and inclement weather, the open house and air show had been held annually at Offutt every year since 1972. However, last summer's show was cancelled by the Pentagon because of budget uncertainties and sequestration.

"Through the years the Offutt air show had become one of the must-see events on the Omaha-Bellevue summer event calendar. We hope everyone will circle the date and make plans to come out and join us once again," Guillot said.

In the past, Offutt has welcomed between 150,000-200,000 people to base for the two-day open house. And with last year's cancellation and the uncertainty of future shows, base leadership is encouraging everyone to take advantage of this opportunity.

"We're hoping for a huge turnout so we can highlight what America's military men and women are doing in service to their country," Guillot said.

Highlighting next year's show will be the Blue Angels, the U.S. Navy's flight demonstration team.

"The Blue Angels are one of the best demonstration teams in the world and we couldn't be more excited to have them headline our show," said U.S. Air Force Maj. Brian Burger, Defenders of Freedom Open House and Air Show director.

Since 1946, the Blue Angels have been entertaining spectators around the world. On average, an estimated 11 million people will see the team perform at air shows each year.

This will be the Blue Angels first visit to Offutt since 2009. And like the rest of the Department of Defense, they too were hit with budget uncertainties and sequestration, so they're thrilled to headline one of the best air shows in the Midwest.

"We didn't get to do many shows in 2013, so we're really looking forward to performing for the people of Nebraska and getting out into the community," said U.S. Navy Lt. Cdr. Michael Cheng, Blue Angels #8 and event coordinator. "We know the locals are familiar with the Air Force and so we're thankful for the opportunity to show what the Navy and Marine Corps has to offer."

Beyond the Blue Angels, the Defenders of Freedom Open House and Air Show will also feature multiple acts that provide a great cross sample of our nation's military might.

"Our goal is to always feature the latest and greatest in modern aircraft and technology and highlight some of the capabilities from each service," Burger said. "We'll also feature some of the best civilian acts that are around today as well."

In addition to air power, the open house will also feature a kid's zone, which will offer plenty of rides and games for children throughout the weekend.

"This area continues to grow in popularity, so we're looking for ways to keep it fresh and exciting," Burger said.

More details on the free event will be posted as they become available on their website at www.offuttairshow.com.