"Air show" of sorts at Davis-Monthan AFB Tucson

Last weekend while at Naval Reserve drill in Tucson AZ I had the pleasure of getting to see 6 P-51s and a P-38 (yes, all were flying aircraft) practice with USAF F-15, F-16 and, A-10 aircraft in formation flying to qualify the pilots for performing in airshows around the country. Sorry, didn't have a camera on me....
Anyway, it was interesting to watch a P-51 take off, climbing to several thousand feet and then be followed by an F-16 pulling up on him at a couple of hundred knots faster that then does a hammerhead stall followed by several pirouettes in the vertical trying to kill his speed and end up off his wing.
Just listening to the engines of a P-38 you could easily distinguish between an Allison and the Mustang's Merlin (when the jet roar didn't wash it out).
Seeing several Mustangs and the P-38 flying overhead in formation was also a thrill. I've seen plenty of F-15's, 16's and what not so it was a real nostalgia tour. Didn't help my workers though they wanted to stand outside the shop and watch rather than get things done....

 

Too bad you did'nt have a video camera as that would be priceless video and audio !!

I was wondering if they still give all day tours of the base once a month like they used to do years ago. They said they take people on a bus and they can take pictures till they drop. That has always been something on my to do list. I have a book on the AFB there and the amount of aircraft there is stunning.

What do you do in the Naval Reserve ?

 

Actually, I don't know if they still do give tours since 911. They might. Of course, I never paid much attention as I can get on base and know people working in AMARC.
In Tucson I run a production metals fabrication shop at the Reserve center. We make "stuff."

 

Thats awsome. Last summer when I was at teh Akron, Ohio and Dayton, Ohio arishows, I saw many Hertage Flights.

At Akron they had an A-10 with a P-40 the first day. On the second day they had an A-10 with a P-38.

At Dayton They had 3 P-51s with a F-15 the first three days. The last day they had 2 P-51s, P-38, and a F-15. That was a remarkable sight. I got great pics with my digetal camera.

 

Timothy can you post your pics here of the airshow ? would love to see them !

E ♠

 

I'll try. I haven't got time right now but mabye tomorrow.

 

I tried to insert the pictures but it won't let me. Any help is appreciated.

 

I tried to insert the pictures but it won't let me. Any help is appreciated.