Eglin air show right around the corner Published Feb. 10, 2010 By Lois Walsh Team Eglin Public Affairs EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Plans are in high gear for Eglin's 2010 Open House and Air Show. The event, scheduled for April 10 and11, is the first here since 2007. This year's theme, "75 Years of Eglin Pride," will showcase the mission here and pay homage to Eglin's 75th Anniversary. According to Lt. Col. Chris Wheeler, Air Show Director, planning began last year to bring the best the services have to offer to Eglin for the weekend. "From the B-24 to the F-35, the history of air power will be either flying overhead or on display on the ground," Colonel Wheeler said. "Putting on an air show is a tremendous undertaking and everyone involved is giving 100 percent to make this the best air show ever." Both the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the Army's Black Daggers are already confirmed performers for both days. The Thunderbirds, the U.S. Air Force's air demonstration squadron, perform precision aerial maneuvers demonstrating the capabilities of Air Force high performance aircraft. The Black Daggers are the official U.S. Army Special Operations Command Parachute Demonstration Team. Their mission is to perform live aerial demonstrations in support of Army Special Operations community relations and recruiting. Air Boss, Maj. Timothy Sablotny, confirmed that besides the Thunderbirds and Black Daggers, the following flying acts have been confirmed; Tora, Tora, Tora Flying Reenactment demonstration, F-18 demonstration, stunt pilot Kent Pietsch, the B-25 'Special Delivery', a John Bostick aerial acrobatics show, the Red Bull Helicopter and Skydiving Team, and the P-51 "Scat VI. Additionally, the F-15C, F-15E, F-16, A-10, UH-1N, MC-130 and a C-5 are just a few of the aircraft that will be showcased at the air show. Units interested in being part of the open house can set up a display in Hangar 110. Senior Master Sgt. Rob Parent is the point of contract for the displays, which are always a highlight at the air shows. "The displays are a great way to let the public know what Eglin folks do on a day-to-day basis," Colonel Wheeler said. "It's our chance to show the public the diversity of the base and the people who work here." Additional updates about the Open House and Air Show will be posted on Eglin's home Web page at www.eglin.af.mil.