Air Force Week kicks off in Los Angeles

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Matthew Bates
  • Defense Media Activity-San Antonio
LOS ANGELES (AFNS) --  Air Force Week Los Angeles began here Nov. 14 with an opening ceremony at the Hollywood and Highland Center.

The week officially started when the event's guest speaker, actor Ricky Schroeder declared, "Welcome to Air Force Week Los Angeles!"

Air Force Week Los Angeles is designed to expose the local population to the incredible power and capabilities of the U.S. Air Force and strengthen support for Airmen serving worldwide in the defense of freedom.

The highlight of the kick-off event was a flyover by several Air Force aircraft, including an F-22 Raptor, a C-17 Globemaster III, a B-1 Lancer and a U-2 Dragon Lady, which is currently involved in firefighting efforts in Southern California. The flyover was the first of its kind to take place over Hollywood Boulevard.

Also on display at the ceremony was the Air Force NASCAR automobile, an F-22 Raptor simulator and a "Do Something Amazing" recruiting exhibit. The Air Force Band of the Golden West, from Travis Air Force Base, Calif., played various musical selections and the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team performed for the audience.

The event also paid special tribute to 44 former Airmen who have stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, including the late Jimmy Stewart, Charlton Heston and Walter Matthau and modern day stars like Jack Nicholson, Morgan Freeman and Norman Lear. The Air Force also was presented its own honorary replica of a Hollywood Walk of Fame star.

"This is a great day for the Air Force and for the city of Los Angeles," said Gen. C. Robert Kehler, Air Force Space Command commander, during the event's opening remarks. "And it's going to be an exciting week."

The ceremony was not only a chance for the people of Los Angeles to experience the sights and sounds of the Air Force, but also a chance to strengthen the bonds between the service and the city.

"There's been a long relationship between the Air Force and Hollywood," said Leron Gubler, president of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. "Events like this will only increase this relationship."

This relationship extends beyond Hollywood.  It encompasses the entire state of California, said General Kehler.

"California is instrumental to air and space enterprises as indicated by an air and space economic impact in excess of $125 billion," he said. "California has a long legacy of air and space 'firsts' and continues to lead the nation in technology. The Air Force has reaped tremendous benefits from California's air and space innovations, which help us daily to fly, fight and win in air, space and cyberspace."

Other Air Force Week Los Angeles activities include "Wings Over Long Beach," an air show at the Long Beach airport, an Air Force Film Festival and a free concert performed by the Air Force Band of the Golden West at the historic Warner Grand Theater.

Southern California Air Force bases participating in Air Force Week include Los Angeles AFB, Vandenberg AFB, Edwards AFB, March Air Reserve Base and Channel Islands Air National Guard Station.

For Air Force Week details or online film festival reservations, visit www.airforceweek.com.

Comment on this story (comments may be published on Air Force Link)

View the comments/letters page