There was a unique sight to behold over St. Louis Aug. 10 as an Air Force B-2 Spirit aircraft flew above the city as part of the celebration of the inaugural Air Force Week.

The aircraft, which is based at the 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., was trailed by a C-130J Hercules from the 314th Airlift Wing at Little Rock AFB, Ark.

Members of the local media and civic leaders were on board the C-130J and were able to take photographs of the B-2 over landmarks including the Gateway Arch. The B-2 flyover was one of several events in a week celebrating the Air Force in St. Louis.

Air Force Week is an effort by Air Force officials to help raise public awareness of the service's operations, capabilities and support to the war on terror; showcase Airmen; and thank the public for its support of the Air Force's men and women.

Air Force Week events kicked off Aug. 6th when an Airman from Scott AFB threw out the first pitch at the St. Louis Cardinals-Milwaukee Brewers baseball game at Busch Stadium and F-15 Eagles from the Missouri Air National Guard's 131st Fighter Wing at Lambert Field flew over the stadium.

Other events during the week included appearances at the St. Louis Science Center by a NASA astronaut and a "Salute to the Air Force" night at a Gateway Grizzlies minor league baseball game in Sauget, Ill.  The week will conclude with AirFest 2006 Aug. 12 and 13 at Scott AFB. There will be dozens of aircraft on display as well as aerial performances including the Air Force's premiere demonstration team, the Thunderbirds. [ANN Salutes 2nd Lt. Karoline Scott, 375th Airlift Wing Public Affairs]

FMI: www.af.mil