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Date: 5/15/2015
WESTOVER AIR RESERVE BASE – An estimated 300,000 people will come to the nation’s largest air reserve base on May 16 and 17 for the 2015 Great New England Air Show, the first one hosted at the base since 2012.
The show will feature, for the first time, six “headliners;” the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, The Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds, a Canadian CF-18, the U.S. Army Golden Knights, the first appearance of a F-22 and Geico Skytypers.
This is the first time the Blue Angels have appeared at the air show and only the second time they have appeared in Western Massachusetts. MSgt. Andrew Biscoe said precision flying team’s other appearance here was a flyover at the Eastern States Exposition in 1959.
Their appearance is part of the base’s 75th anniversary observation. As in the past, admission and parking to the event is free.
The F-22 Raptor is the newest fighter aircraft for the United States Air Force.
At a press conference on May 8, Westover and Chicopee officials spoke about the show and offered tips that should help the public enjoy it more.
Base commander Lt. Col. Albert Lupenski said base personal are “looking forward to a great weekend.”
He added, “You can see what it is we do and where your tax dollars go.”
Chicopee Mayor Richard Kos said, “This is a great way to showcase what Westover means to all of us.”
The show will feature flying demonstrations, current Air Force plans and a variety of antique planes. Among the planes on display will be a C-17 Globemaster, A B-52 Stratofortess, A-10 thunderbolt II, C-130 Hercules, C-5 Galaxy, F-15 Eagle, KC-10 Extender, T-6A Texan, F-15E Str-38 Talon, F-16 Fighting Falcon and OC-135B observation aircraft.
Among the “warbirds” scheduled to appear are C-47 transport, b-25 bomber, Corsair fighter, B-17 bomber and a P-52 fighter.
The “Air Boss” for the show, Major Matthew Podkowka, suggested visitors come early because a large number of visitors are expected. Be prepared for delays due to heightened security checkpoints. Essential items to have on hand include a camera, earplugs and sunblock.
According to the airshow’s website, www.greatnewenglandairshow.comgates, will open at 8:30 a.m. with the show beginning at 10 a.m. Heavier traffic is expected after 11 a.m. The James Street gate will be open as well as the gate on Westover Road. The gate at 102 New Ludlow Road will also be open. Parking lots are expected to be full by 2 p.m.
Bud Shuback, president of the Galaxy Communications Council, an organization that supports the base and its personnel, also help organize the airshow and find the sponsoring businesses that make it possible.
“We are out here because we love to be out here,” Shuback said of the effort.
Information will be updated at www.facebook.com/greatnewenglandairshow.