Barksdale AFB Air Show

As April winds down, we can start thinking about a bigtime air show at Barksdale. As an Air Force brat I love anything to do with Barksdale. I sure do wish I still had base privileges!

The 2011 Defenders of Liberty Air Show is set for May 7-8 and this year will feature the F-22 Demo Team. Major Chris Otis of the 20th Bomb Squadron says: "they only visit a handful of bases every year, so we are happy to have them. Not only we do we have a thrilling display of the F-22 and its capabilities, but we also have the recreation team Tora Tora Tora, as well as the Shockwave Jet Truck, which is always a crowd favorite." A crowd of more than 200,000 people is expected to pile onto the base for this years' event. The air show is free and open to members of the public. Gates will open to 9 a.m. and the show will begin at 10 a.m., all acts will perform both Saturday and Sunday weather permitting. Backpacks, coolers, camera bags and other similar large containers are prohibited on the airfield although exceptions will be made for small purses and diaper bags, which will be searched upon arrival. Weapons such as firearms, large blades, pocket knives and blunt objects are also prohibited on installation. Vehicles are subject to search and any weapons discovered will be confiscated and not returned. Cell phones and cameras will be permitted as well as strollers and wagons for small children; however, they are subject to search.