CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Team Charleston, this weekend we are expecting more than 100,000 visitors for the 2008 "Wings Over Charleston" Air Expo. The preparations have been made and all is ready to host our guests in what I believe is sure to be a memorable day for all. The aerial demonstrations, aerobatic maneuvers and wide variety of static aircraft displays should prove to be great fun. There will be something for every member of the family, from the youngest to the oldest die-hard aviation enthusiast. I hope you will all join me and my family as we enjoy our guests and the Air Expo.
Today we kick off the Air Expo with a family day and I trust you are enjoying the day with your family before our guests arrive tomorrow morning. The practice shows today should whet our appetites for the actual performance. Don't worry; the kids are sure to be entertained. If not by the aircraft, there will be a kid's zone set-up with several activities guaranteed to bring smiles to their faces. If your family is unable to join you for the daytime events, maybe they can attend the kickoff celebration tonight at the nose dock hangar. This will be an opportunity to welcome the performers and to thank everyone who had anything to do with making Charleston's 2008 Air Expo a great success.
This being my first Air Expo here at Charleston, I was curious to know the history of when it all began. So I asked our wing's historian, Stan Gohl, who searched the local archives and found that the earliest documented air show here at Charleston AFB occurred September 26, 1953. That was the same year the base opened in its present location. Although there were flying operations in this area prior to that time, the base was located on what is now the civilian airport and the host unit was the 456th Troop Carrier Wing.
Charleston's first air show was sponsored by the local Kiwanis Club as a celebration for National Kids Day. The historic file captured the events of that first air show with the following words: "To provide recreation and entertainment for Charleston kids from nine to 16 years of age, an open house was held from 8 a.m. to noon. There was a flyover of 12 aircraft and a dummy parachute drop. Ten aircraft were on the line for static display. A wing parade was held. A model airplane contest was conducted by base personnel."
Charleston's Air Expo lineup has come a long way since 1953. We have numerous flying acts to include the Thunderbirds, who are the Air Force's premier demonstration team. Not to mention, a host of historic weapons systems and support aircraft will be on static display. There will not be a dull moment the entire day.
To the entire base population, we appreciate the hard work and dedication it took to make this day -- the expo -- possible. Thanks to our sponsors for their generous support of this event. And finally to our guests, we thank you in advance for coming, hope you stay safe and enjoy yourself.
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