Altus Air Force Base News

 

Altus AFB celebrates 70 years of air power with local community

  • Published
  • By Airman Klynne Pearl Serrano
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Altus AFB hosted a public open house to celebrate 70 years of air power May 12, 2012 at the base flight line with approximately 2,000 guests.

"This is just a little way we can give back to the community and say thanks because this is their base, these are their air planes, and these are their dollars that we are spending," said Col. Anthony Krawietz, 97th Air Mobility Wing commander.

Air Force military aircraft and Army Fort Sill artillery displays were the highlight of the open house.

The static aircraft displays included two C-17 Globemaster IIIs, two KC-135 Stratotankers, and a C-130 from Dyess AFB, Texas. Guests took turns sitting in the cockpit of each aircraft.

"This is my first time on Altus Air Force Base and also my first time in an aircraft [C-17 Globemaster III]," said Brent Stone, an Altus native. "I could not believe how a big hunk of metal gets up in the air."

Army Fort Sill artillery displays included tanks and trucks with multiple launch rocket systems. Guests were allowed to get inside the vehicles and take photos.

The Air Force Band of Mid America's Hot Brass Ensemble served as entertainment in hanger 435. The band played rock, country, and patriotic music for the crowd.

"My brother, who is stationed at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M. came with my parents to watch me and the band perform," said Senior Airman Carmen Emborski, Air Force Band of Mid-America Hot Brass singer.

There was also a fire prevention demonstration, where they cut a car in half, and a military working dog demonstration.

Free activities, like face painting, a paper airplane contest, and bouncy houses were available to all guests.

"It is important to open our gates and have an open house to give back to the community because this is an event that I understand a lot of people look forward to and while we can't fly air planes we can certainly show them what we do and how we do it," Krawietz said.