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NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev.-- Gordon Bowman-Jones, the voice of the 2010 Aviation Nation Nellis Open House, introduces the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron 'Thunderbirds' prior to their performance on Nov. 14. Mr. Bowman-Jones has narrated more than 7,000 air shows and next year will mark his 40th anniversary as an air show announcer. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Lawrence Crespo)
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Nellis hosts the Voice of Aviation
Posted 11/23/2010 Updated 11/23/2010
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by Mr. Lawrence Crespo
Nellis Public Affairs
11/23/2010 - NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Gordon Bowman-Jones, better known as the Voice of Aviation, has entertained millions of aviation enthusiasts for almost 40 years. Nov. 13-14 was no exception as he brought the 2010 Aviation Nation Nellis Open House to life with his wealth of knowledge about aviators and their flying machines over the flightline speakers.
Mr. Bowman-Jones' fascination for airplanes started when he was a young boy in England.
"My father worked alongside Sir Frank Whittle on the development of early turbo jet engines. When I was six years old, we immigrated to Australia, where my father worked for Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation, which built the Australian version of the F-86 Saber aircraft. His love of flying had me at air shows at a very young age," said Mr. Bowman-Jones.
Mr. Bowman-Jones' never-ending enthusiasm for flying led him to become a pilot.
"One of my inspirations was Eddie Andreini from Half Moon Bay, Calif., who flew the Super Stearman bi-plane," he said. "Eventually, I went ahead and purchased a Stearman and Eddie taught me how to fly aerobatics and that really launched my passion. While he was teaching me, he was also flying air shows," he added. "One day, in 1971, Eddie said to me, 'I am flying in Watsonville (California) Air Show in two weeks and I was wondering if you wouldn't mind announcing for me'. I said, 'sure, no problem' and my career was born."
Mr. Bowman-Jones has narrated more than 7,000 air shows all over the world. His most memorable shows have been located at places such as Germany, United Arab Emirates, Italy and France.
"In Japan, the Aksugi Air Show has more than half a million people attend whether it's pouring rain or beaming sunshine and there is nowhere to park," he said. "They come walking or by public transportation, it's amazing."
Mr. Bowman-Jones has inspired children listening to his announcements to look to the skies and to become aviation enthusiasts of the future.
"If I could ever bring the love in my heart and inspiration I felt as a young boy listening to aviation announcers at Australian air shows to one kid out on the ramp; my job is complete," Mr. Bowman-Jones said.
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