When Uncle Sam's Air Force throws a shindig, it is usually a thing of great beauty... as well-evidence by these USAF pix from the recently concluded 2005 Aviation Nation festivities at Nellis AFB.

We have got to make it to the next one of these shows... as it looks like it was QUITE the rush. This year's event, held Nov. 12 and 13, was dedicated to Vietnam War veterans with a special welcome home tribute. It drew more than 150,000 spectators.

^ An F/A-22 Raptor aircraft takes off for a demonstration flight during the Aviation Nation 2005 air show.

^ Duke Molter (bottom) and Gordon Witter prepare their Yak-52's for final approach during the Aviation Nation 2005 air show. Mr. Molter and Mr. Witter are with the Cojones Formation Team.

^ Maj. Ed Hamill does an acrobatic maneuver in his "Dream Machine" aircraft during the Aviation Nation 2005 air show.

^ An F/A-22 Raptor, a vintage F-4 Phantom II and a P-51 Mustang fly a heritage fly-over during the Aviation Nation 2005 air show.

ANN Salutes these excellent pix from Master Sgt. Robert W. Valenca and Tech. Sgt. Demetrius Lester.

FMI: www.af.mil