Military Channel to present air combat documentary June 15

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WASHINGTON (AFPN) --  The Military Channel premieres Showdown: Air Combat June 15 at 10 p.m. and features an F-22 Raptor pilot as host.

The series consists of 10 episodes shown over the course of several weeks, hosted by Maj. Paul Moga. While he's accustomed to presenting the newest fighter to air show crowds, this will be an opportunity for him to present the service's history to a large television audience.

"If I can make one more person feel patriotic, my job is a success," he said.

The show re-enacts past dogfights using restored aircraft to fly some of the most famous air combat battles in history, said Brian J. Kelly, vice president of production for the Military Channel.

"Not just what happened, but how it happened and what it felt like to be there," he said.

One such dogfight from the Korean War involves an F-86 Sabre and a MiG-15, and introduces the audience to the first jet ace, Capt. James Jabara.

"We incorporate elements that have never been used before in an aerial documentary," said line producer Conal M. O'Herlihy. "For the first time, we have an active-duty Air Force fighter pilot who is going to be in the chase plane following the planes and calling the action."

Major Moga is currently an instructor pilot and serves as Air Combat Command's F-22 demonstration pilot. He is based at Langley Air Force Base, Va. He has logged more than 250 combat flying hours including supporting Operation Allied Force over the former Yugoslavia. He was one of 15 pilots accepted into the initial F-22 instructor pilot cadre of the 43rd Fighter Squadron at Tyndall AFB, Fla.

In 2006, he was selected to be Air Combat Command's first F-22 demonstration pilot and currently displays at air shows and events across the globe the unique maneuvers only this U.S. fighter plane can perform.

While Major Moga is the host of the show, its focus is on the history of the Air Force and its Airmen.

"I think this (TV show) will give the American public the chance to see their Air Force up close," said Lt. Col. Stephen D. Clutter, director of the Air Force entertainment office in Los Angeles. "I think the people at Langley (AFB) are going to be proud to see their aircraft and personnel in this particular episode."

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