National Championship Air Races

RENO, Nev. -- Capts. Weston Turner and Russell Badowski, 19th Fighter Squadron, answer a spectator's questions about the F-15 at the National Championship Air Races and Air Show Sept. 18-20. Pilots from the 19th FS showcased the F-15, answered questions and educated the public on the role of the F-15 in Alaska during the three-day event. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Mark Leahy)

19th Fighter Squadron, honorary commander take to the races

Published Sept. 22, 2009
By Staff Sgt. Mark Leahy and Maj. Brian Baldwin
3rd Wing Public Affairs

RENO, Nev. -- The 19th Fighter Squadron and its incoming honorary commander made a unique appearance at the National Championship Air Races and Air Show here Sept. 18-20.

"This is the first time (19th Fighter Squadron's honorary commander) Leah Sommer raced with our patch on her biplane during the air races," said Lt. Col. David Graff, 19th Fighter Squadron commander. "It was great for us to show off the F-15 and be able to support our honorary commander."

Three pilots from the 19th FS were on hand to showcase the F-15, answer questions and educate the public on the role of the F-15 in Alaska during the three-day event. The vast majority of the public was unaware of the 3rd Wing's alert mission and the intercepts of Russian aircraft by Elmendorf -based aircraft like the F-15C.

"It's an awesome opportunity to build relationships in the community and a great opportunity to represent the military when coming to these types of events," said Capt. Russell Badowski, a flight commander in the 19th FS.

The National Championship Air Races and Air Show has been held just outside Reno every year since 1964. It is billed as the world's fastest motor sport, which featured multi-lap, multi-aircraft races. Aircraft are divided into classes which include biplanes, jet, Formula One, sport, T-6, super sport, and unlimited. The planes race around courses just north of the airfield that are between 3 and 8 miles long. The unlimited class airplanes reach speeds of more than 500 mph.

Sommer raced in the biplane class and improved from last year with a front row position for the final. She was excited that members of the 19th FS could join her at the races.

"It's a great thing to bring the community in on what the 19th does and to be a part of their squadron," said Sommer.

Sommer, along with other community members, will be inducted into the honorary commander's program Oct. 1.