2009 Quonset Point, Rhode Island Open House and Air Show
It has been nearly fifteen years since I saw my first air show at Quonset Point Air National Guard Base in North Kingstown, RI. We have seen a lot of changes there over the years, but one thing has remained constant- a great air show. And this year was no exception.
Our long weekend began by meeting friends and fellow air show enthusiasts at the runway 16 approach end ILS. The Blues Angels arrived Wednesday night and were well rested for their Thursday noon-time circle and arrival maneuvers. While the “Blues” were briefing for their 1500 practice show, the field re-opened for arrivals at 1400. Arriving first were the Canadian Forces Snowbirds. They appeared in two sections; one four ship, the other five. Joining on each other, they executed wide arching maneuvers and then circled the field several times before landing in three sections of three. The East Coast F-16 Viper team quickly followed behind the Snowbirds. From our vantage point, the Falcons passed directly overhead. We peered directly above to see the individual paint schemes of each aircraft’s drop tanks. Upon completion of the “Angels” practice show at 1600, many of the civilian acts aircraft arrived as well as THUNDER 83, a B-1B from the 34th BS, “The Thunderbirds”, based at Ellsworth AFB, SD. THUNDER 83 blotted out the sky as it passed over our heads with one low approach before landing. Due to poor weather all week, the RI NG and ANG were unable to practice The Combined Arms Demonstration and had to do so Thursday, providing us fans with an additional treat!
On Friday, the media was welcomed onto the ramp along with special invited guests and military family members for the practice show. Foul weather threatened the practice but held off allowing each performer to execute high shows. Everything scheduled to fly for the weekend show (sans the Combined Arms) flew during the practice. There was a break in the action from 1100 to 1300 when the field was opened to accept arrivals. The assembled crowd got to see two Langley AFB F-15s (FIRST), a Westover AFB C-5 (REACH), a McGuire AFB KC-10 (HOIST) and C-17 (HUNT), a Columbus AFB T-1 (MOON), two CF-118s (NIGHTMARE) from Cold Lake, two PA ANG A-10s (WARHOG), a SD ANG F-16 (LOBO) and two USMC V-22s (PRIME) land for the air show. With the exception of the A-10s, all were placed on static display.
Saturday’s atmosphere was typical for a June day in the Northeast. The mostly blue sky with warm temperatures contained a constant threat of humid thunderstorms. The show opened with the Black Daggers jumping from a RI NG Sherpa. As Sean Tucker circled his red Oracle bi-plane around the jumpers, the “Daggers” brought the Canadian and Untied States colors to earth with the crowd standing for two national anthems. Through-out the day, the show continued with an exciting line-up of civilian acts provided by: Ed Hamill’s AFR bi-plane, Mike Goulin and John Klatt’s ANG Extras, and an L-39 jet flown by Geoff Hickman. All wowed the crowd. Local military demos by a RI ANG C-130J and, RI NG Blackhawks and a UH-1 DUSTOFF brought rousing cheers from the New England audience. High performance demonstrations were carried out by the awesomely powerful F-22 and the quick agile East Coast F-16 team. Both tore the place up and left the crowd in exhilarated awe! The day’s humidity provided aviations photographers with lots of exhilaration as vapors poured off the high performance aircraft’s wings, fuselage and intakes. Unfortunately there was no USMC V-22 Osprey demo as advertised. The USMC higher command made a decision not to demonstrate the Osprey; instead both VSTOL aircraft were placed on the ramp for static display only. This seems to be a pattern of common disappointment at many air shows!
Highlighting the Quonset Point Air Show is the annual Combined Arms Demonstration, showcasing the military guard units based at Quonset Point. The demonstration opened with two RHODY C-130Js screaming in from behind the crowd and breaking out over show center. Next were an Army Sherpa and five NG helicopters dropping men and equipment on the ground as A-10s flew air cover overhead. The Combined Arms Demonstration has become an annual tradition at the Quonset Air Show, featuring both fixed wing, rotary and fighter military planes- flying about- with pyrotechnics exploding in the background. In years past, the fighters (A-10s) had been provided by the MA ANG from Barnes ANGB. Unfortunately the 103rd FW was disbanded several years ago leaving a fighter gap in the program. This year’s A-10s were supplied by the PA ANG 111th FW. Also unfortunate, due to high costs, there were no pyrotechnics. The absence of explosions and a Wall-of-Fire left a large void in the act. Like a repeat of three years ago, this year’s show featured two jet teams. The Snowbirds flew at mid-day while the Blues Angels closed out the afternoon. Both teams were quite impressive, flying near flawless performances. Unfortunately, on Saturday a rather strange fog bank rolled in off Narragansett Bay forcing the Blue Angels cut their routine a bit short.
While the show roared from above, there was plenty to see on the ground. The ramp was jammed packed with static aircraft, Army National Guard equipment and vehicles of all types. The Quonset Air Museum also had several of their sharply painted and well maintained vintage military aircraft on display. There were also plenty of vendors serving up local eats like; Dough Boys, Dell’s Lemonade, and of course New England clam chowder with clam fritters. Parents were able to keep young ones entertained with an abundance of amusement rides. Air show announcing duties were shared by Rob Reider and Larry Rutt. After seventeen years of announcing at Quonset Point, 2009 marked the last time Mr. Rutt would be the master of ceremonies. Those responsibilities will now be in the hands of Rob Reider.
While Sunday’s weather was far from ideal, the air show bosses made an all out effort to get every act in the air. The morning started out with fog and an eight-hundred foot ceiling. As the day progressed, the weather and the ceiling improved to the point that all acts flew. Although the fighters and jet teams were forced to fly flat shows, all were impressive and more than pleased the large crowd. Surprisingly, with Sunday’s weather conditions so poor, the crowd level was just as high as Saturday. The folks from this part of the country really appreciate their local military heroes. Officials estimated 100,000 came out to show their support by attending the two day show.
The Rhode Island Guard units really make everyone fell at home. The atmosphere is relaxed and laid back. The surrounding landscape of Narragansett Bay filled with sailboats and other water craft watching from just off shore make this show a unique setting. While no firm plans exist for 2010, the show is always scheduled for the third weekend (Father’s Day) in June.
Daniel O. Myers
Horsham, Pa
dan@domyers.com