In the last month the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, otherwise known as Tidewater, has been the host to three airshows. The first in August was The Confederate Air Force local show at the Hampton Roads General Aviation field, the second was Community Days at Langely Air Force Base in Hampton VA and the third was the three day show at Oceana Naval Air Station that was held September 10-21.  

Not only is that close to overdosing, no way<VBG>, but it gave me a chance to see a wide variety of aircraft both on the ground and in the air. We are happy to report that all three shows came off with out a hitch and not even any minor accidents. Safety first was the word and each of the show sponsors went out of their way to ensure the the general public had a chance to see the aircraft upclose but without taking any unnecessary risks.  

The CAF show was the first and featured many of the warbirds that the CAF is famous for restoring. The B17 "Sentimental Journey" as well as the locally support C-60 "Lady Lodestar" were open to the public. Unforntunately there were no flight demonstraions but the access to the static aircraft as well as there crews was unlimited.   

B-17 "SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY"   

Unfortunately, my camera was out of service at the Langely AFB show but with the exception of the Thunderbirds and the F-117 all of the same aircraft was at the Oceana show two weeks later. As always, the Air Force was a gracious host. More than anything else it was the performance of the Thunderbirds that got the crowd excited. More me the best part was a chance to see some old comrades in arms and to share memories of the days we flew on the C-130s and the Hueys.

These were a few of the activities that day, Misty Blues Parachute Jump Team, F-15 Eagle Demo, 1-800-COLLECT Demo, BT-13 Fly-By, P-51 Mustang Demo, B-17 Flying Fortress Demo, B-25 Demo, F-14 Tomcat Demo, A-10 Thunderbolt Demo, Su-31 Demo, F-15 Eagle Demo, 2 x P-51 Mustang Demo, Heritage Formation, F-15 & P-51, 2 x T-43 Demo, F-117 Fly-By, 2 x AT-6 Demo, F-104 Starfighter Demo, CF-18 Hornet Demo, F-86 vs MiG-15 Dogfight, Misty Blues Parachute Jump Team, P-38 Lightning Demo.  

The Oceana Show as always is one of the largest on the east coast beginning On Friday with a twilight Show which permited some spectacular aerial fireworks. Saturday and Sunday brought ought good crowds all though Saturday was overcasr and Sunday while a beautiful day was hampered by high winds (Over 30 knots).  

But rest assured there was no lack of BIG THUNDER on either day. With demostrations by the Blue Angels, The Red Baron team, F-14s, F-18s, F-16s, F-15s, a Mig, TORA TORA TORA, and too many others to mention there was not a time from 9 AM to 5PM when there weren't aircraft in the air. Add to that the static displays of the B-1, which was open to the public, C-130s, KC-135, numerous helicopters, including one from the US NAvy SEALS it was all one could do to take it all in.   

Three things make this airshow one of my favorites. First I live nearby and get to watch most of the aircraft fly in during the earlier part of the week. Second, the Navy hosts the show on the tarmac of what is now Fighter Country USA. And, third the proximity to the taxiway and the runways make for excellent visibilty from any where at the show.  Add to that local friends and neighbors to share it with and you have the formula for a perfect day. Here are a few shots from the show.  

THE SIDE BY SIDE PASS - ONE AC IS INVERTED 

THE BLUE ANGELS IN THE DIAMOND 

F7F TIGER DEPARTING 

THE B1, BIP PLANE SMAL COCKPIT 

OUTSIDE LOOP 

  MIG ON FULL AFTERBURNERS 

  MIG ON THE TAXI WAY 

   TORA TORA TORA 

  F-14 FROM VF-84 "JOLLY ROGERS" 

  JET TRUCK RACING F-14, IT LOST 

A B-17 ON A LOW LEVEL PASS 
 
I hope these pics give you an idea of how much fun the last month has been.