Base Commander Cites Budget Issues In Announcing The Move

Officials at Hill Air Force Base in northern Utah announced with disappointment yesterday that the rumored cancellation of the base's biennial open house and air show is now official. The airshow had been scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, September 24th and 25th, and among the acts scheduled to appear were the US Air Force Thunderbirds and the US Army Golden Knights parachute team.

"Given our current budgetary environment, I don't believe it would be fiscally responsible for Hill Air Force Base to move forward with an open house and air show this year," said Col. Patrick Higby, 75th Air Base Wing and Installation commander. "While these kinds of events are important for our service's recruiting efforts showcasing our spectacular Airmen, strengthening community relationships, and a potential boon for the local economy, we have too many other unfunded priorities."

Admission for the shows at Hill is free, and the last show, held in June 2009, drew attendance estimated at more than 400,000 people, including many from surrounding states. They'll try again next year.

RMI: www.hill.af.mil