Heritage flight conference commemorates past

  • Published
  • By Josh Aycock
  • Air Combat Command Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. (ACCNS) --  World War II aircraft flew the skies here with modern fighters at Air Combat Command's 2007 Heritage Flight Conference Feb. 27 through March 4.

Historic P-51 Mustangs and F-4 Phantom IIs flew in two-, three-, and four-ship formations with six ACC demonstration teams, including the newly created F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team.

"Talk about awe-inspiring," said Maj. Paul Moga, commander of the F-22 Demonstration Team, which is based at Langley AFB, Va. "To realize that the Air Force can put the best fighter jet the world has ever seen in formation with its World War II equivalent is truly something special"

The conference prepared ACC demonstration teams and HF pilots for their upcoming demonstration season. All pilots received certification by the Federal Aviation Administration and ACC's Air and Space Operations Directorate, which allows them to fly in demonstrations across the country.

"Be assured, keeping those aircraft in tight formation and having it look perfect for the crowd is genuine work," said Col. Eric Best, chief of ACC's Flight Operations Division.

According to Maj. Gen. Douglas L. Raaberg, ACC Air and Space Operations director, the conference commemorates the 10th anniversary of successfully flying "warbirds" and modern fighters together.

"The Heritage Flight program is all about remembering our Air Force heritage as we continue to build upon the traditions of our service," said Colonel Best.

The HF program presents today's active aircrafts to audiences worldwide. A-10 Warthogs, F-15 Eagles, F-16 Vipers and F-22 Raptors will tour until November and showcase how the Air Force has evolved throughout history.