Air Force Honor Guard performs at 2006 Air and Sea Show

BOLLING AIR FORCE BASE, D.C. (AFPN) -- After the roar of the aircraft was silenced, the steady clicking of heels could be heard marching closer and closer. Suddenly, a group of Airmen, weapons contrasting starkly against their white gloves, formed up to begin their own performance: rhythmic weapon-slapping and heel-clicking mixed with the dizzying sight of rifles spinning and flying through the air. 

During the 2006 Ft. Lauderdale Air and Sea Show May 4 to 7, the 16-person U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team performed before thousands of spectators daily, as well as at two private functions for local media and international business leaders. 

“They were absolutely unbelievable,” said Christopher Blake, a local spectator. “They just blow you away and it’s so much fun to watch.” 

Mr. Blake’s sentiments seemed to be shared by most spectators. During each performance many “oohs” and “aahs” were heard throughout the crowd, and after each performance children and adults alike ran up to get photos taken with the Airmen. 

“It was awesome to perform; it showed a different part of the Air Force than the crowd is used to seeing,” said Senior Airman Jason Martin, drill team member. “It also gave the crowd a chance to come up to talk to us, making the performance that much more personal.” 

“We represented the enlisted corps and showed we have precision both in the air and on the ground,” Airman Martin said.

The crowd was one of the largest for which the drill team has performed. In addition to the performances, the drill team took center stage for a “media day” where they showed their skills to reporters and cameramen from around the world. They also performed onboard the newly commissioned Naval ship, the USS San Antonio, where they performed for many top company executives from throughout the country. 

The drill team has performed at the Air and Sea Show yearly since 2001. The drill team travels around the United States and overseas promoting Air Force recruiting, retention and awareness. Drill team members perform precision-oriented routines in which they spin, flip and toss 11-pound M-1 Garande rifles with fixed bayonets. 

“They really knocked the drills out of the box. People everywhere said they have never seen anything like it,” said Mickey Markoff, Air and Sea Show executive production officer. “The people around me watching were just spellbound. The drill team really represented the Air Force and proved once again they are great at what they do.”