Celebrate 70 years of Las Vegas air power at Aviation Nation 2011 Published Nov. 2, 2011 By Benjamin Newell Nellis Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Cutting edge and heritage aircraft representing 70 years of air power in Las Vegas will be on display Nov. 12-13, 2011, during Aviation Nation, the free Nellis Air Force Base annual open house. More than 100 aircraft will be on the ground as part of static displays, allowing for an up-close experience with military hardware. The U.S. Air Force aerial demonstration team, the Thunderbirds, will headline the airborne excitement, with heritage aircraft like the F-86, B-25, F-4 and C-45 revealing the full spectrum of historical air capabilities. "I think a lot of people, even locals, don't really grasp what capabilities are here at Nellis," said Lt. Col. Marty Garrett, Aviation Nation chief of operations. "At show center, we'll have the full range of aircraft tested, trained and implemented right here." Parking lot gates open to the public at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway at 8 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. At the speedway parking lot guests will have their first interaction with U.S. military service members, who will be on hand to perform security checks on guests. Dangerous and excessively bulky items will not be permitted at Aviation Nation. "We are here to keep people safe," said Capt. Stephen Lee, 99th Security Forces Squadron operations officer. "If you see or hear of anything dangerous happening, we ask that you locate an Airman in a beret. That's how you can identify ." While medical equipment, small folding chairs and service animals are permitted, pets, firearms, illegal drugs, weapons of any kind, bicycles, skates, skateboards, inline/rollerskates, bulky baggage and many other items are strictly prohibited. Visit the Nellis website, for a complete list of prohibited items. After going through initial screening, everyone will be shuttled to the Nellis flightline via bus beginning at 9 a.m. There, visitors will encounter one more screening and will be allowed to explore the attractions before the first aircraft takes to the sky. "Early arrival is recommended," said Garrett. "It will allow you to visit show center and speak with pilots and crew who will be assigned to all our displays, and also stake out a good viewing spot for the aerial demonstrations." Food will also be available for purchase at concession stands. Children's entertainment centers, complete with $5 all-day passes to bounce houses, will provide an outlet for children to expel some of their energy. "Please bring earplugs for very young children," said Catherine Berry, Nellis Force Support Squadron director of marketing. "Many children are actually much more sensitive to sustained loud noise than we are." Clear plastic water bottles are permitted at Aviation Nation and water buffaloes placed throughout the flightline will provide free potable water. Medical personnel will be on location and a first responder area will be setup for any medical incidents. If you encounter a lost child, or believe you have lost your own child, immediately notify a security forces squadron member. U.S. Air Force parachute jumpers will commence Aviation Nation at 11 a.m. with an aerial display of the stars and stripes while the national anthem is sung. For more information about Aviation Nation, please visit the Aviation Nation website or call the Nellis Public Affairs office at 702-652-2750.
