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Alrighty then! I have to say, Reno has brought all of the heavyweights, as far as Military aircraft go, to the fans. With the cooperation of the United States Military, we have had the priveledge of seeing the SR-71, B-2, F-117, and TR-1 in flight. I felt extremely pleased and proud to see the aircraft that for years have been only ghosts to most Airshow goers. But, the rest of the aircraft have been great to witness in the flight regime as well. The F-14, F-15, F-16, and F-18's have consistently put on a show that leaves most of the people that go for the Airshow in a state of awe.
Having done my service for the US in the Navy, as a P-3 aircrewman, I am starting with the Department of the Navy in my pictures. This includes the Navy and the Marines. I can only remember one time that there was P-3 in the static display area at Reno. This has been a little bit disconcerting for me, as the P-3 has been the backbone of the free world as far as land-based anti-submarine warfare is concerned. The Seahawk helicopter, a shipboard anti-submarine platform, has been represented on several occasions, as well as the S-3 Viking, also shipbased, but fixed wing. Most people don't realize what an important role these types of aircraft, and their crews, had in bringing the "Cold War" to the best conclusion possible. It was HUGE! But, I can take great satisfaction in knowing that I played a very important part in that end, and accept the fact that the Anti-submarine and Maritime Surveillance community always were, and will be, lesser known for their accomplishments during peacetime and in war, and that's the way it is.
I am sure that most people who have an interest in military aviation have seen the movie, "Top Gun". You know, the one where Tom Cruise plays the role of Maverick, an F-14 pilot in the late stages of the Cold War. Not a bad flick, with lots of action. Well, Reno has had an F-14 perform as part of the airshow for several years now. It is always an impressive program and really shows the crowd what a capable aircraft the Tomcat truly is. It is the first line fleet air defence weapon of the Aircraft Carrier battle groups sailing around the world. The wings that sweep back and forth are the trademark of this great aircraft. I don't think that many people come away from any demonstration of the F-14, with it's thundering engines in afterburner, and the knife edge passes, and the amazing climb ability, without a lump in their throat and a sense of pride in the job that these men and women do for all of us.
.Not everyone would recognize the E-2C "Hawkeye", which is the Navy version of the Air Force' AWACS aircraft. Although that is not exactly correct, the E-2 actually was in service a full decade before the Sentry came to be. The aircraft was designed as an Early Warning Radar platform with the capability to perform as an airborne command post, directing fighters to defend against hostile threats to the Carrier group. They can also orchestrate an attacking force from an aircraft carrier, while providing overhead radar coverage and intercept info for the attacking force.They have performed admirably in this capacity, and as a matter of fact, the F-14 was designed by the same company, Grumman, to perform their important role in concert with the Hawkeye. And there is not another dynamic duo in the world like this pair of warriors. I am sure that will be the case for some time to come. Of course, I would be remiss in not mentioning the F-18 Hornet when talking about the Navy. The aircraft has been a major player in the attack forces of the Navy since the early 80's. They are also currently the choice of aircraft for the Navy Demonstration squadron known by the masses as the Blue Angels. I will cover them in the Teams page.
A couple of years ago, the Marines from Fallon, Nevada, came to Reno and did their "Wall-of Fire" demo in their F-18's. Even though they didn't really drop any ordinance from their aircraft, the pyrotechnics display from the ground left the spectators with a sudden thirst and seared eyelashes! The heat generated from the flash and flames could be felt quite a ways from the actual point of origin, (this particular photo taken about three miles away and still feeling the heat!). The United States Marine Corp has been well represented over the years and in several different guises. They have appeared in the early morning show with a display of assaulting an objective with helicopters and Marines rapelling down ropes to the ground. It is fun to watch and gives a good idea of the importance of airpower in one form or another to the overall methods and mission of the Marines. There have been demonstrations by the Vertical Takeoff and Landing capable AV-8B Harrier. Also known as a "Jump Jet", the Harrier performs a vital role for the marines in that it can 
carry a huge payload of weapons, hover like a helicopter while firing those weapons, and fly in the high subsonic range to defend the ground troops from marauding enemy fighters. The Harrier is probably best know for its' success in the Falkland Islands by the British Air Force and Navy. It is very noisy in a hover but never ceases to amaze me how it can go from a hover to forward flight with little effort. (The pilot's may not think it is so easy, but they sure make it look that way). Technically I understand how they do it, it is amazing to me just the same. The Marines use several different models of helicopter, probably most well known would be the Huey, of Viet Nam fame, The Sea Cobra attack helicopter,and the Sikorsky CH-53E Super Sea Stallion assault helicopter. Then, last but not least, is the A-6B Intruder. (Ever see the Flight of the Intruder? Well, yeah, they were Navy, but it kind of gives you an idea of what the aircraft does.)
The Intruder was a staple attack bomber for the Navy and Marines for almost 30 years and has been slowly replaced by the FA-18. I am thinking that there aren't any active Intruder squadrons, and few, (if any), reserve units. The Intruder was later adapted as a four-seat Electronic Warfare and Radar Jamming platform in the EA-6B, which is still a viable and indespensible part of the Navy and Marines overall attack force. An enduring and adaptable aircraft, indeed. Updated June 20thThe Airshow Performers |
The Teams Under Constr. |
Updated July 4th The Military Page 2 |
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