For more than a half-century, some of aviation’s most amazing innovations and top developments have come from two places: the U.S. Air Force and the annual EAA AirVenture fly-in convention. In 2007, the USAF will make the 55th annual edition of EAA AirVenture, “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration,” a major stop during its 60th anniversary commemoration, as it brings its “Heritage to Horizons” showcase to Oshkosh July 23-29 at Wittman Regional Airport.
The “Heritage to Horizons” exhibit will include more than 30 displays that will fill a 10,000 square-foot pavilion on the AirVenture grounds, recognizing the notable people and aircraft that have been part of the USAF’s first 60 years. In addition, the Air Force Recruiting Command will return to Oshkosh in 2007 with its popular “Cross Into The Blue” exhibit.
“The U.S. Air Force has always been very supportive and enthusiastic in its participation at EAA AirVenture, featuring airplanes such as the F-117 Stealth fighter, F-16, and C-5 and C-17 cargo aircraft in past years, up to the amazing F-22 aerial display that was a highlight of the 2006 event,” said Tom Poberezny, EAA president and AirVenture chairman. “We are very excited to host the Air Force at Oshkosh as it commemorates its 60th anniversary, recognizing the occasion with fellow aviators from around the world.”
As one of the officially designated events of the USAF’s 60th anniversary commemoration, EAA AirVenture will also host a sizable contingent of current military aircraft during the weeklong event. The exact aircraft and appearance dates will be released as they are finalized.
Along with USAF headquarters in Washington, D.C., other Air Force units supporting the service’s EAA AirVenture appearance include Wisconsin Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve Command, Air Force ROTC, Air Force Academy Liaison Officers, and Air Force Recruiting Services.
“EAA and the Air Force are joining to present programs and exhibits during EAA AirVenture 2007 that will tell the compelling story of the Air Force’s first 60 years, with the people and aircraft that have made history over that span,” Poberezny said.
The Air Force’s anniversary commemoration will be an added highlight in 2007 to EAA AirVenture’s always-popular warbird activities. The hundreds of warbirds that gather at Oshkosh each year include World War II-era aircraft from the USAF’s predecessor, the U.S. Army Air Corps, as well as those from other branches of the U.S. military and other air forces from around the world.