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Wings Over Wayne Air Show is 'record breaking'

By Staff Sgt. Heather Stanton, 4TH FIGHTER WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS / Published March 30, 2011

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SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Approximately 160,000 people attended the Wings Over Wayne Air Show and Open House here April 16-17.

The two-day event featured the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, U.S. Army Golden Knights, Tora! Tora! Tora! and other aerial acts, as well as demonstrations from the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard drill team and 4th Security Forces Squadron military working dogs.

Even Saturday's storm did not completely hinder the show.

"I'm sure most people had no idea that the 916th (Air Refueling Wing) ramp was nearly vacant Saturday night because at 8 a.m. Sunday morning everything was back in place," said Maj. Andy Ladd, air show director. "Everyone worked hard to ensure the safety of the Saturday's 15,000 spectators and place all the aircraft safely in a hangar."

Sunday drew in a crowd of approximately 145,000 people, nearly doubling the previous high for a single-day attendance.

"Any recovery (from Saturday's storm) and success we experienced Sunday was directly attributed to outstanding leadership, dedication, work ethic and courage," Major Ladd said.

Meticulous coordination from the base and local community allowed such a successful show.

"I had the best team imaginable working on this," Major Ladd said. "There are countless people to thank for the efforts put forth to make this record-breaking air show and open house take place. Wings Over Wayne 2011 required months of diligent planning and critical problem solving. Everyone played a crucial role to make it all happen."

The occasion was a modest reminder of what makes Seymour Johnson Airmen "Fourth but First."

"I want to personally thank everyone who made this air show an event that North Carolina will remember for years to come," said Col. Patrick Doherty, 4th Fighter Wing commander. "We broke all the records and made this air show the most successful in Seymour Johnson history. Thank you to everyone who ensured the safety of our guests and performers, from the weather professionals who kept us up-to-date on weather issues Saturday, which allowed us to have many of our acts perform, to the Airmen who moved aircraft across the ramp to protect them from the storm. A special thanks to Goldsboro, Wayne County, Mayor Al King, Henry Smith and the rest of the Military Affairs Committee. We truly have the best Airmen in the U.S. Air Force and are extremely blessed to have such a great, welcoming community outside our gates."
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