Thousands of people walked through and alongside aircraft of all sizes — between pauses to look skyward at spectacular aerial displays — at Offutt Air Force Base on Saturday.
Within the first hour of the annual Defenders of Freedom Open House and Air Show, spectators had formed a long line at the gate off Capehart Road in Bellevue as well as in front of aircraft where they could get closeup looks.
But things moved smoothly for the show visitors. And there was lots to choose from: aircraft to go through on the tarmac, demonstrations to watch overhead, a children's area and exhibits.
The sunny and warm day, with a slight breeze, made for ideal conditions for visitors.
Ryan Hansen, an Offutt spokesman, said Saturday's estimated attendance was more than 75,000. He said the base wouldn't have official attendance figures for the two-day event until later in the week.
The free event continues Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Visitors are encouraged to use the free shuttle service to reach the base. Catch a ride at the Southroads Technology Center, Bellevue University and Bellevue East and West High Schools.
Hansen said there were no major traffic problems Saturday.
“Things went pretty smoothly,” he said. “A lot of people really took advantage of the shuttle service.”
Although people were spending a good deal of the time pointing up and keeping their eyes on the skies, there were many reasons to look straight ahead. While 13 different types of aircraft were scheduled to cruise the skies, there are 17 military displays on the ground and 22 community exhibits scattered around the base near the tarmac.
One person wandering around the displays on the ground was 5-year-old Collin Ramey. He was with his dad, Rob, and step-grandfather, Jerry Schrock.
The Omaha residents visited the air show because Collin wants to be a pilot when he grows up. Collin said his favorite helicopter is the Apache. He said he likes the cargo and fighter planes, and he was eager to see the F-22 demo team.
“I like it when they go really fast,” Collin said.
Rob said his son has books about planes at home and knows a lot about them. The air show is a way for him to see them up close.
“He probably knows more than I do,” he said.
Children also can spend time in the Kids Fun Zone, with inflatables to jump in and pedal planes to ride. Teens and young adults can challenge themselves on a rock wall. All can walk through aircraft and ask the pilots questions.
A new feature this year is the Smoke-N-Thunder jet car. Equipped with a jet engine originally used for the American Buckeye T-2A aircraft with 10,000 horsepower, this vehicle “raced” on the runway against a jet-engine plane.
“We have something for everyone,” Col. Bill Jensen said.
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