Firepower demo returns to Nellis Published June 1, 2004 NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. (ACCNS) -- More than 2,500 people witnessed the first Air Force Firepower Demonstration since February 2003 at the Nevada Test and Training Range, just south of Indian Springs Air Force Auxiliary Field, in May. The quarterly demonstrations were put on hold when Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld changed the syllabus for generals and admirals in the CAPSTONE professional military education program. CAPSTONE no longer visits Nellis. The demonstrations, now conducted twice a year, showcase the Air Forces air and space capabilities to the nation. The purpose is to demonstrate the precision, speed and flexibility that air and space forces bring to the joint warfighter, said Col. John Carter, United States Air Force Weapons School commandant. More than 100 bombs ranging from 500-pound general purpose bombs to cluster bombs and 2,000-pound unguided and laser-guided bombs were dropped during the 50-minute demonstration. More than 4,000 rounds of 30mm cannon shells and 50 rockets were also fired at tanks and other vehicles on the range. Aircraft taking part in the demonstration included the Predator remotely piloted aircraft, F-15C Eagles and F-15E Strike Eagles, F-16 Falcons, an F-117 Nighthawk, A-10 Warthogs, HH-60G Pavehawks, a B-2 Spirit and B-52 Stratofortresses. The audience ranged from U.S. and allied military and family members to national opinion leaders, congressional staffers, entertainers and high school students. It is impressive to see the combination of the high-tech integration of satellite communications, the aircraft and personnel, said Mr. George Garcia, a North Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce board member. It is interesting to see how it all comes together in real-time situations. In addition to seeing targets destroyed, the audience witnessed how A-10 close air support attacks are carried out while the HH-60s rescue a downed pilot. I like the Warthogs the best, said Mr. Garcia. I guess its a combination of their appearance and their abilities. They dont look like your typical aircraft and theyre so slow, but their ability to support the troops is amazing. The statistics concerning the amount of firepower they can unload and so close to the battlefield is impressive. The firepower demonstration shows people how military spending keeps America strong and able. I would definitely recommend this to anyone, said Mr. Garcia. It is good to see what our tax dollars and resources really enable the military to do. Its a lot more than just the pilot and the weapons system officer hitting the pickle button. It takes every one of those people in our military to make things happen, said Colonel Carter. The next Air Force Firepower Demonstration is scheduled for October.