Air Expo Ready for the Public!

  • Published
  • By Senior Master Sgt. Mark Moss
  • 133rd Airlfit Wing Public Affairs
Preparations are complete for the 133rd Airlift Wing's 90th Anniversary Air Expo, open to the public from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 16 at the St. Paul-based Air National Guard base on the Fort Snelling side of the international airport. It includes performances by the U.S. Special Operations Command Parachute Demonstration Team (the "Para-Commandos"), the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team and low-level flyovers by military aircraft.

"The Para-Commandos, most of whom are Special Operations combat veterans, perform precision freefall parachute demonstrations across the United States and have a have a combined total of over 23,000 jumps," said Air Force Maj. Ann Todd, 133rd Airlift Wing Executive Officer. "The U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team is comprised of a 16-person team with a professionally choreographed sequence of show-stopping weapon maneuvers that thrill their audiences," said Todd.

The B-17, A-10, TBM Avenger, T-6 Texan, P-51 and others are scheduled for the flyovers, said Todd.

"This Air Expo commemorates the heritage of the Wing with the 1921 decision to make Minnesota's 109th Aero Squadron the first federally recognized Air National Guard flying unit in the country," said Air Force Col. Greg Haase, 133rd Airlift Wing Commander. "Please come and celebrate with us!"

Forty aircraft will also be on display for this special event, including the 133rd Airlift Wing's own C-130H "Hercules" transport aircraft, said Todd. Other aircraft scheduled to be on display include additional cargo, fighter and special purpose airframes, as well as several heritage aircraft. The event will also feature 20 aircraft permanently on display at the Minnesota Air National Guard Museum.

This special event is open to the public, free of charge and will be held at the 133rd Airlift Wing, located on the north side of the Minneapolis - Saint Paul International Airport near historic Fort Snelling, said Todd. The Wing is encouraging use of public transportation for the event. A link to a free, downloadable Metro Transit pass for use on the Light Rail or city bus is available on the Wing's website.

In 2011, 133rd Airlift Wing has deployed 453 Airmen to 17 countries in support of U.S. operations worldwide. Since September 11, 2001, the Wing has cumulatively deployed 5,673 Airmen to 36 countries in support of the Global War on Terror.

The 133rd Airlift Wing's C-130 "Hercules" transport aircraft supports many military missions, including airdrop and airland delivery of critical supplies, equipment and personnel to remote airfields and to areas no easily reached by ground travel, said Todd. C-130s also provide aeromedical evacuation of wounded service members, where trained medical personnel provide timely, life-saving medical care while patients are transported to a medical facility.

The 133rd Airlift Wing is comprised of approximately 1,200 men and women who serve in support of state and national needs. They are your "Citizens Serving America ~ Airmen Defending Freedom."