5/28/2013 - U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. (AFNS) -- Historic World War II aircraft performed flyovers for the U.S. Air Force Academy's Class of 2013 graduation events here May 27-29.
Traditionally, the Air Force Academy's graduation ceremony flyover is conducted by the Air Force Thunderbirds aerial demonstration team, while other Air Force aircraft use training funds to perform flyovers for graduation parade events. These units combine the demonstration of the U.S. Air Force's aerial prowess while using training flights to maintain aircrew proficiency.
However, budget shortfalls taking place due to sequestration have cancelled all Air Force aerial demonstrations for the remainder of this fiscal year, to include the Thunderbirds' appearance in Colorado Springs.
To fill that void, several aviation organizations are volunteering their services, at no cost to the government, to provide flyovers for Air Force Academy graduation events. Each of these groups came to the Academy to volunteer their services to help showcase what the more than 1,000 new Air Force lieutenants represent.
"These veteran Airmen have stepped forward to provide a great send-off for the thousand-plus graduates of our Class of 2013," said Lt. Gen. Mike Gould, the Academy superintendent. "Their appearance over our graduation events will tie our future Air Force leaders with our proud and storied aviation heritage. Every American should be proud of the philanthropic support provided by all our volunteer aviators. They understand the nature of our national budget challenges and are showing their patriotic spirit by selflessly providing these meaningful tributes to AF Academy graduates."
Comments
5/30/2013 4:40:55 PM ET It was a cool airshow. I thought I'd find it lacking because I was used to the T-birds... but these folks did an outstanding job.
Capt, USAFA
5/28/2013 2:40:23 PM ET I salute all those people involved in such a wonderful effort.
