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Nellis Air Force Base air show-Aviation Nation photos
November 10-13, 2005 |
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The theme for the air show this year was "Welcome Home Vietnam" and they did a great job of honoring Vietnam veterans. One of the highlights of the show was the Vietnam re-enactment in which we were invited to participate. The scenerio was that of a mission in which ground troops are overcome by enemy fire. The FAC-a magnificent flying OV-10 Bronco would circle around and call in air support. Two A-1 Skyraiders "Sandies" would strafe the area with gun fire and napalm. Also on site was an AC-47 gun ship "Spookie", who also provided massive fire support. There was also an A-37 Dragon Fly who would also apply pain to the ememy. During one of the napalm runs by the A-37, he simulates being shot down. The crew survives, and the Sandies continue to cover while the rescue choppers are called in to pick up the downed pilots.
Flying our UH-1B Gunship, we provided "gunship" cover for the 2 U.S. Army Hueys "slicks" while they went in and picked up the survivers. The Army Hueys were from Ft Irwin, stationed at Dagget Field. It was a blast flying with them, or should we say, behind them, as the Army required us to stay 10 rotor discs behind them.
Below are some photos from that weekend. It was an honor for us to be able to participate in this re-enactment, as well as to fly with the awesome crews of the other aircraft and the active duty Army Huey flight crews. We will never forget this weekend. |
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Early morning-the Hueys wait in the sunrise for the crews to arrive. We were located way down on the north end of the runway, near the A.F. Special Op's Rescue squadron. They had several H-60 Pavehawks, some on alert for immediate departure. The weather was perfect every day. photo-Shayne Meder |
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Engine start-getting ready for the first flight of the day. We always flew passes over the nearby raceway so on-board military photograghers could get shots for crowd analysis. This also allowed us to pass the crowds at the air show between demo's. The air boss wanted to have a Huey in the air as much as possible, since during Vietnam, the Huey was almost always "on duty" being heard everywhere. photo-Jeff Mikell |
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Lift-off-this was always fun, as we all 3 got up at the same time with military precision. Pat was instrumental in his formation flying, doing exactly what the Army Hueys did. It wasn't always easy, as we flew in their rotor wash and had to guess at their changing speeds and altitudes. It was great and the crowds loved it. Photo-Jeff Mikell |
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The next five views are from my seat. In this one we have just taken off. You can see the H-60's and Las Vegas in the background.
Below left, the Army Hueys look awesome with Vegas in the background.
Below right, we just finished a pass over the flight-line. What was really cool is they were playing "Flight of the Valkryie" as we flew by.
photos-Shayne Meder |
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Below left is a cool picture passing by the Thunderbirds on the ramp. Scott Donnell is the right door gunner. Below right shows how sharp some of our turns were. We were coming around during our "gun run" providing cover for the slicks. This was wierd as I took this through the front windshield,,,is that the main rotor?? yep. photos-Shayne Meder |
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Below left there is a great photo of Frank Tresenrider. He is a veteran gunner and Huey crew chief of Vietnam and a volunteer for the museum. He not only brings his experience and knowledge to the museum, he is a part of living history that is so important to our mission. Here he is once again in the left door gunner position, only now 35 years later, his gun won't shoot real bullets and he doesn't have to worry about enemy fire.
Below and to the right is Pilot Pat Rodgers on the right doing what he does best, handling the Huey down the runway on a gun run. Scott Donnell took these two photos of Frank, Pat and I. |
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These were taken as we landed after the flight. photos by Jeff Mikell |
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The main crew for the weekend-we were also joined by some hardworking volunteers who helped alot. Craig Clary and Bob Syzmanski drove out for the weekend. Craig flew with us one of the days. Also Dave Barron and Paula flew their private plane into Vegas and joined us too. Sheena and Jeff were on hand to take pictures.
photo by Jeff Mikell |
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Below left is one of Craig and on the right is Scott. Cool shadow of the Huey. |
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These last 3 cool
photos were taken from one of the Army Huey's.
The two on the bottom show us in trail.
Official Air Force photos. |
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Also there was Brian Shul, one of our greatest sponsors. The whole crew was on-hand to say Hi and thank him for his support.
From left-Shayne, Pat, Frank, Brian, Scott, Craig, and Bob. |
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Heading home-following the Army Huey's to Dagget where we re-fueled, then flew back to French Valley. Photo-Shayne Meder |
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