Aviation Nation 2011 comes to a close Published Nov. 16, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Whitney Jackson Nellis Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Nellis Air Force Base celebrated 70 years of air power in Las Vegas during Aviation Nation, its Open House, Nov. 12-13, 2011. Several military and civilian air demonstration teams performed during the two-day event, which generated more than 140,000 spectators. The Nellis Open House showcased more than 100 aircraft static displays all over the flightline, ranging from present day aircraft to historic aircraft. Along with the static displays, many present day and heritage air-to-air mission demonstration flights occurred throughout the afternoon. The air demonstrations started at 11 a.m. with a different performance almost every 20 minutes. There were a total of 11 aerial demonstration shows featuring 24 different types of aircraft. The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstrations Squadron was the final performance of each day. Their show demonstrated precision aerial maneuvers and showed their capabilities and high performance aircraft to people from around the world. The Thunderbirds displayed the professional qualities that are developed by the people who fly, maintain and support these aircraft. While all the military members worked to support the Open House, the United Services Organization supported all of the military members. The USO provided coffee, doughnuts, hot chocolate, sunscreen and lip balm to all military members who worked or volunteered over the Aviation Nation weekend. The USO volunteers were prepared to serve approximately 600 members each morning and were greatly appreciated by all the military members who visited their booth. In addition to the main Aviation Nation events, there were a number of smaller activities that occurred during the Practice Day preceding the Open House weekend. Some of these events include the naturalization ceremony, flightline frenzy, Make a Wish Foundation visit, re-enlistment ceremony and many more smaller events that went on throughout the day. This Open House has become an annual event at Nellis and is known as the largest, free public event in Nevada. For information on Aviation Nation, contact the Nellis Public Affairs Office at 702-652-2750 or visit the Nellis website www.nellis.af.mil.
