It took more than rain showers to keep airplane enthusiasts from Dover Air Force Base June 20. Rain moving through the area delayed the start of the much-awaited air show, which also was shortened by the threat of lightning moving through the area.
The weather cooperated, however, for scheduled activities June 21, and base officials estimated at least 75,000 people attended the air show over both days.
Crowds were treated to static displays of numerous active and retired aircraft, including the C-17 Globemaster III, the newest cargo aircraft to be stationed at Dover. Although the featured USAF Thunderbirds had to cancel their late afternoon performance because of June 20’s bad weather, demonstrations earlier in the day included the C-17, a C-5 with new, uprated engines, a U.S. Navy F-18, and the AeroShell aerial demonstration team.
The Thunderbirds put on a rousing show, with six F16C aircraft cutting through the Dover sky for approximately 45 minutes. Manufactured by Lockheed Martin, the aircraft are kept in top flying condition, and no Thunderbirds show has ever been cancelled due to maintenance problems. While specially equipped for the team’s aerial demonstration programs, the planes can be reconfigured to combat status within a few hours.
All photographs by Jeff Brown.
