Holloman Open House a success

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Sanjay Allen
  • 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  For seven hours on Oct. 24, the base opened its gates to citizens of the Tularosa Basin and beyond so they could see firsthand what Holloman and the Air Force has to offer.

"It provides the base an opportunity to educate the local and surrounding communities on our mission while demonstrating the capabilities of the latest technology," said Capt. August "Photo" Pfluger, Holloman Open House director.

The open house, dubbed "Raptors and Reapers over the Southwest," played host to more than just the F-22A Raptor and the MQ-9 Reaper.

Some of the other U.S. military aircraft showcased at the open house were the F-4 Phantom II, C-17 Globemaster III and T-38, Talon who all performed aerial acts. Some of the U.S. military assets on display were the F-22A Raptor, MQ-1 Predator, MQ-9 Reaper, CV-22 Osprey, B-1 Lancer, F-15 Eagle and A-10 Thunderbolt.

However, the open house also had an international flair to it with aerial performances by the Canadian CF-18 Hornet and German Tornado.

Civilian pilots also performed in their aircraft, to include Tim Weber's Extra 300, Lt. Col. John Klatt in his Air National Guard Extra 300, the Franklin Beech, P-51 Horsemen and the "Pacific Prowler" B-25 Mitchell Bomber, just to name a few.

With all the aircraft on display and performing, the atmosphere of the open house was filled with delight and mutual respect.

"I thought the air show was outstanding," said Captain Pfluger. "We were able to take a trip through the history of airpower demonstrating second, third, fourth and fifth generation aircraft from the P-51 to the F-22."

The open house was enjoyed by military and civilian patrons alike and words of praise were passed on as well.

"It was great," said Charles Evans, of Alamogordo. "It makes you really proud of our Air Force. I loved it. We've been to air shows before and this was one of the good ones."

The words of praise also went the other way, from the military to the communities.

Maj. Jonathan Songer, an MQ-9 Reaper pilot, said he appreciates the residents of New Mexico and Alamogordo who support them and the important mission the MQ-9 and the rest of the aircraft at the open house do down range. He continued to say, all that support goes to help the troops on the ground, and that's extremely important.

To wrap up the 2009 Holloman Open House, the base thanks those who came for all their support.

"We thank everyone who came out and enjoyed the show, and hope that they have a better understanding of Holloman's new mission with the MQ-1, MQ-9 and F-22 missions," said Captain Pfluger.