Thunder of Niagara draws thousands to air base
U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, Navy Leap Frogs highlight the air show

Niagara Wheatfield Tribune, August 9, 2007
Story and photo by Michael J. Owen
U.S Navy Journalist (Ret.)

Two Navy Petty Officers enjoy the show from the wing of
a U.S. Navy E-6 Bravo. Its mission is communications.

Even though the rain moved in late Sunday afternoon, Saturday was picture perfect, as tens of thousands of people flocked to the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station for the Thunder of Niagara Air Show.

Highlighting the event were the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, along with the Air Combat Command F-15 Strike Eagle Demonstration Team. The Air Force Academy parachute jump team and the U.S. Navy Leap Frogs parachute team also filled the sky, to spectators’ delights. The teams jump from altitudes of 6,000 to 12,000 feet, with free fall speeds up to 120 mph, trailing smoke and carrying the American flag. The Leap Frogs also jumped into Old Fort Niagara on Friday.

The weekend also helped mark the 60th anniversary of the U.S. Air Force and commemorate the 60th anniversary of Chuck Yeager breaking the sound barrier. On Oct. 14, 1947, Yeager became the first man to break the sound barrier in level flight, flying the experimental Bell X-1 rocket plane built locally in Wheatfield.

Thunderbirds Maneuvers

The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, “Thunderbirds” perform precision aerial maneuvers to exhibit the capabilities of modern high-performance aircraft to people throughout the world. The squadron exhibits the professional qualities of Air Force people who fly, maintain and support these aircraft. The Thunderbirds are a mix of six aircraft, performing formation flying and solo routines. The four-aircraft diamond formation demonstrates the training and precision of Air Force pilots, while the solos highlight the maximum capabilities of the Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon. The pilots perform approximately 40 maneuvers in a demonstration.

Other performers at the air show included the Angel 7, the Flight for Diabetes, the Air Force Reserve Command jet car, and the F-86 Heritage and rocket-belt demonstrations. Civilian stunt planes and cargo planes also demonstrated supply drops on the field. Static displays on the ground included a C-5, C-17, F-16, B-24, E-6 Navy AWACS and several military helicopters and classic warplanes like the B-17 bomber. Also on the ground, many visitors signed banners of well wishes for the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces serving around the world.

Crowds Appreciate Show

“This air show is awesome,” said Carole Kincaid as the Thunderbirds made their crisscross above the runway with thundering sound and speed. Among the sounds of ‘ooo'-ing’ and ‘ahhh'-ing’ from the crowds were also expressions of patriotism, appreciation and support for U.S. military personnel deployed in Afghanistan, Iraq and around the world. “This is a great opportunity for the community to show their support and appreciation for our air base and the troops serving around the world,” added the Sanborn native.

Kincaid also serves as a Niagara Military Affairs Council volunteer. “In helping out with NIMAC, I’m working with some great people and enjoying a fantastic weekend,” she said. “We want to thank everyone in the community and across the state that helped the base get off the BRAC list.” The GEICO Skytypers also welcomed air show visitors with a message across the sky that read, “Welcome to the Thunder of Niagara Air Show and Thank You NIMAC.”

Show Serves as Open House

As some spectators found shade in the shadows of a C-5 Galaxy cargo plane, others discovered a simulated battlefield experience on the ground. The Army’s Virtual Army Experience exhibit provided an interactive video game setting in which participants sat behind the wheel of a life-sized Humvee and used a virtual M249 SAW machine gun to battle simulated terrorists. The air show also served as an open house for the air base and of recruiting event for all the armed forces to spotlight career opportunities for young people interested in joining the service.

Whenever the loud roar of a jet engine was heard, every head turned to see the maneuver. People also gathered under the wings and underbellies of the huge aircraft to escape the weekend’s heat and blazing sun, while rock and classical music played during the flight demonstrations.

“The maneuvers of the F-18 were incredible,” said Navy WWII Veteran Edward Runtecki, wearing his USS Langley hat. “It’s almost like the aircraft changes direction in mid-air. And when it slowed down to 100 mph, well, it looked like it was standing still,” he continued while standing in the shadow of a huge aircraft among other veterans. “Seeing all these young sailors and airman here today really brings back memories of military life. Of course, we didn’t have such modern aircraft in my day,” he said.

‘Air Ballet’ to Music

In a more dramatic maneuver, classical music played while glider pilot Manfred Radius performed what is best described as air ballet. Spectators also enjoyed plenty of water provided free via the base fire hydrants. “You have to drink plenty of water on a day like this” said U.S. Navy Sea Cadet John Durnell of Buffalo as he watched the show. Wearing his dress Navy whites uniform, he looked pretty sharp. “I represent the Sullivans’ Division at the Buffalo naval park. We always look sharp,” he said proudly. There were also plenty of games and exhibits for the kids. “I like bouncing up and down; it’s fun,” said young Catherine Pomeroy of Williamsville as she took to the air one bounce at a time on a simulated paratrooper display.

Public Thanked for Support

The last air show three years ago in Niagara Falls featured the Blue Angels, the Navy flight demonstration squadron. “It’s great opening the base to the public again,” said Neil Nolf, base public affairs officer. “The event promises to assist military recruiting efforts and spotlights America’s military aircraft. We also want to thank people that supported us when the Base Realignment and Closure Commission tried to close our base. We want to thank everyone for their support.”

TSgt. Maurice Shivers, 34, from Grand Island, is an 11-year Air Force Reserve veteran, and also works for Grumman Northrop in his civilian job. At the air show, he served as a C-130 Loadmaster with the 914th Air Wing and helped the base bring in the B-24 Liberator. “This air show is a great success. The weather is perfect and it’s nice to have the base open to the public for the first time since BRAC,” said Shivers. He helped drop paratroopers on Sunday. “I was on the plane when we dropped the Wings of Blue, Air Force Academy jump team. What a thrill.” He also took pictures as they left the plane.

Helping out on the ground was 1st Sgt. William Conroy, 47, of the National Guard Masten Avenue Armory. He supervised the check-in point at the gate to the airfield. “Everything ran smooth with pedestrian and vehicles traffic.” There was plenty of water available, with only minor cases of dehydration and sprained ankles.” Also Sgt. Kevin Lange of the 105th Military Police Company added, “It was great working with the community in October during the storm and now at the air show. It is always our pleasure to help provide security.”

The 107th Air Refueling Wing Executive Officer at the air base, Lt. Col Barry “Bear” Griffith, also added that it’s a pleasure to serve the public. “The air show allows us to show the citizens of Western New York what we do and how we do it. We want to express our thanks to the community for helping to save the base and remind you that it’s always a pleasure to serve.”