The Shallow End

Wings Over Whiteman

Yesterday was the fabulous Wings Over Whiteman Air Show. We attend this show faithfully every year. Nice that it is on Father's Day because it's an especially nice tribute to the men who have served in the military, and especially to those who have fought, and even moreso to those who have flown in combat. It's an impressive lineup of aircraft both on the ground and in the air.

Whiteman Air Force Base is home to the B2 "Stealth" Bomber:


Not only are we treated to numerous fly-bys, but we were told that this is the only air show in the world where we also witness a landing...notice how stealth this machine is (and also a little Darth Vader-like) even on the ground:


Yesterday, the B2 also did a touch down and take off which is fairly impressive for an aircraft of this size. The B2s are sent over to Iraq frequently and when they do so, it's a non-stop round trip to Iraq and back. 36 hours. Two men. No bed. On their last trip, they loaded up a chaise lawn chair for a little rest. I found that very funny and a little disturbing, that on board this amazingly expensive, high-tech piece of aeronautic equipment, we have Wal-Mart patio furniture providing the creature comforts. Anyone else also a little worried about the fact that only one man is awake? I'm not sure what we paid for this puppy, but it's a boatload, I know that. Anyway, very impressive!

As was this, the F/A 18 Super Hornet (aka the Rhino), traveling at .98 Mach which as I understand it came "this close" to breaking the sound barrier right before our eyes. This too was a most impressive piece of equipment:



There was lots more to see, but I'll leave it at that. All that, to say we had a very lovely day in the sun yesterday. It was 87 degrees but out on the tarmac, it felt like 110.

And a big thank you to all the folks who have served our country!

posted by Gwynne @ 8:49 AM