Travis AFB hosts Wings over Solano 2022

Published May 19, 2022
By Senior Airman Alexander Merchak
60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFNS) --

Travis Air Force Base opened its gates to over 110,000 people for the Wings Over Solano open house and air show May 14–15.

Maj. Kristin “Beo” Wolfe, F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team commander and lead pilot, showcases the F35A’s aerial capabilities during Wings Over Solano at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., May 15, 2022. The Wings Over Solano open house and air show provided an opportunity for the local community to interact directly with the base and its Airmen. (U.S. Air Force photo by Nicholas Pilch)

The open house and air show provided the local community an opportunity to interact directly with Travis AFB Airmen and see the installation’s capabilities on full display.

The air show weekend consisted of 35 aerial demonstrations; 24 modern and vintage military aircraft; eight weapon systems from three major commands; and Travis AFB’s three-ship all-female Parade of Heavies.

“We are so happy to be able to put together an event like this and open our gates to the community,” said Lt. Col. Mike Deprey, open house director.

The open house also provided a wide variety of booths with Science, Technology, Engineering and Math interactive displays. The STEM booths included Phoenix Spark’s 3D printing, virtual reality systems, NASA’s altitude pressure chamber and a Boeing KC-46A Pegasus simulator.

From left to right, a U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II, F-16 Viper, P-51 Mustang and P-38 Lightning perform a heritage flight during the air show rehearsal at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., May 13, 2022. The air show rehearsal provided an opportunity for Department of Defense employees and their families to see the installation’s full capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Heide Couch)

Travis Air Force Base hosts Wings Over Solano, Calif., May 14, 2022. The Wings Over Solano is an open house and air show that provides an opportunity for the local community to interact directly with the base and its Airmen. (U.S. Air Force photo by Heide Couch)

First Lt. Ryan Durgarian, 70th Air Refueling Squadron KC-10 Extender pilot, raises his son Luke, to get a better view of a T-38C during the Wings Over Solano open house and air show rehearsal at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., May 13, 2022. The air show rehearsal provided an opportunity for Department of Defense employees and their families to see the installation’s full capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Karla Parra)

“There were a lot of kids with smiles on their faces so it’s a big win for the community,” Deprey said.

One family said it had been a while since they attended an air show, and with the birth of their first child, they wanted to create new memories.

“Seeing the Parade of Heavies was my favorite part of the show. Knowing that they are the workhorses of the Air Force, it’s incredible to see them in action,” Bobby Lao said, air show attendee.

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