85K spectators gather for first air, space expo

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Heather Stanton
  • 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. (ACCNS) --  An estimated 85,000 air and space enthusiasts attended the 2007 Holloman Air and Space Expo here Oct. 26-28. 

"This was the first ever live-fly air and space show in the nation," said Brig. Gen. David Goldfein, 49th Fighter Wing commander. "It was the first time to bring together air and space in a way that's very personal to the public." 

The HASE was a showcase of Air Force capabilities, the 49th Fighter Wing mission and the X Prize Foundation. It was also a celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Air Force and the 50th anniversary of spaceflight. 

"I think the airshow highlights much of what the Air Force does," said Airman 1st Class Ashley Story, 49th Aeromedical Dental Squadron. "It gives Holloman Airmen chance to show off what we do everyday." 

Friday was the kick-off event for the Air and Space Expo with an Education Day that offered students from the region a chance to run experiments, compete in science competitions, listen to NASA astronauts talk about their experiences as well as meet with Airmen who described their roles when deployed to places like Iraq and Afghanistan. 

During the airshow, the public had a chance to see the F-117A Nighthawk up high and up close for the last time before its projected retirement in April 2008. Also, the F-22A Raptor made its Holloman debut. The Raptor will become the new Holloman mission, the first ones are set to arrive in June 2008. 

"It's sad," said Tech. Sgt. Nathan Know, F-117 demo team NCOIC. "The F-117 has been around for so long and has been such a valuable mission. Even though its retirement is sad, we look forward to the new challenges ahead." 

Another highlight of the airshow was the Holloman Legacy Flight featuring an F-4 Phantom, an F-15 Eagle, an F-117 Nighthawk and an F-22 Raptor. 

"The legacy flight was my favorite," said Airman Story. "It shows where we have been, where we are and where we are going."