HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- The 49th Wing hosted the 2024 Legacy of Liberty Airshow June 2 that entertained a crowd of approximately 15,000 guests here. The airshow was attended by people from all over the world including active and prior service members, dependents, civilians and their friends and family.
The show included aerial performances from the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, “Thunderbirds,” our own F-16s and T-38s, the U.S. Air Force Academy “Wings of Blue” parachute team, and several civilian aircraft. On the ground, a wide range of aircraft were set up as static displays including a C-17, an F-35 Lightning II, tanks, helicopters, MQ-9s, F-16s and a variety of warbirds.
In addition to the aerial demonstrations and ground static displays, there were approximately 80 vendors inside Hangar 500 with informational exhibits and many Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics activities for children.
“This event was dedicated to our local communities and our friends and family here in Alamogordo, Las Cruces, El Paso and beyond as a way to say thank you,” said U.S. Air Force Col. John Ethridge, 49 Wing commander. “Thanks to every single one of you for your continued support to Team Holloman and the Fighting 49’ers.”
The airshow team started planning this event over a year ago and required a base-wide effort to coordinate air operations, logistics, food, medical support, and many other functions.
“I would like to express my appreciation to the many Holloman Airmen, volunteers, and the community leaders who helped make this event so successful,” said Lt. Col. Adam Buchanan, 2024 Airshow director. “The planning and logistics for this event was a herculean task and I owe a debt of gratitude to every person who helped make the airshow so successful.”
The event was an opportunity to strengthen the bond between Holloman AFB and the surrounding communities. It also provided an opportunity for the public to come onto base and interact with our Airmen who work to support our mission of building F-16 and MQ-9 aircrew.