The Japanese Air Self-Defense Force's Blue Impulse Jr. aerial demonstration team perform some eye catching manuevers at the Misawa Airfest held at Misawa Air Base. (Jim Schulz / S&S)
The Japanese Air Self-Defense Force's Blue Impulse Jr. aerial demonstration team perform some eye catching manuevers at the Misawa Airfest held at Misawa Air Base. (Jim Schulz / S&S)
Japanese visitors to Misawa Air Base watch Sunday's aerial acrobatics of the Blue Impulse Jr. aerial demonstration team. (Jim Schulz / S&S)
A young Japanese boy on his father's shoulders enjoying the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force's Blue Impulse Jr. aerial demonstration team at Misawa Air Base. (Jim Schulz / S&S)
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan — Seated in front of an Air Force A-10 Warthog, Navy seamen Joshua Rhodes and Josh Roe, both cryptologic technicians, debated which jet is best, the F-14 or F-18.
Neither plane was flying Sunday at the Misawa Air Festival, but Rhodes and Roe, both from Naval Security Group Activity Misawa, said they came to the flight line to watch the acrobatics of an Air Force F-16 — and to see the A-10 up close.
Aircraft were everywhere as crowds thronged along the flight line, surveying Japanese and American jets and military memorabilia. Many came to watch a day of flights and demonstrations.
“The last time I worked during the show,” said Master Sgt. Lawrence Dunlap, with the 35th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, who was sitting with his daughters. “It’s a lot better relaxing.”
His daughters, Jada, 8, and Briana, 12, said they liked the air demonstrations best, especially a performance by the Japanese Air Self Defense Force team Blue Impulse, and an F-2 biplane.
All week, the girls polished their flying skills on a flight simulator game at home in anticipation of the festival, Dunlap said. He just likes the planes.
“I love aircraft. Anytime you can see aircraft, it’s a good day,” he added.
Low gray clouds kept performing aircraft at low altitudes but the rain stayed away all day.
The Japanese Air Self Defense Force, augmented by the U.S. Air Force, presented the festival. About 12 U.S. aircraft from bases around the Pacific and more than 20 JASDF aircraft were displayed along the flight line, including a P-3 anti-submarine aircraft, helicopters and a mixture of fighter and attack jets.
The festival included booths selling U.S. and Japanese military memorabilia and food — including Anthony’s Pizza, where long lines persisted the entire day. Many base organizations raised money selling food and offering games and face painting.
Staff Sgt. Dale Moses, crew chief with the 35th Maintenance Operations Squadron, came to the air festival to help set up, and later disassemble, the squadron’s booster club booth. The fund-raising effort succeeded, he indicated: “They sold everything.”
He said although the air show lacked appeal for him personally — “I work on F-16s every day,” he said — it was a great family outing.
About 200 U.S. servicemembers volunteered for garbage duty, maintenance or security for the show. Attendance numbers were unavailable Sunday. Organizers said no injuries or mishaps were reported.
