Ft. Campbell, KY, Plays Host To 20,000 For the Event

Approximately 20,000 spectators turned out Aug. 11, to watch the 101st Airborne Division and Fort Campbell Super Saturday Air Show at Campbell Army Airfield. The Super Saturday Air Show, in conjunction with the Health and Wellness Fair, which had approximately 40,000 people in attendance, are the real eye catchers.

Before the event started, civilians and military members were excited to see what would happen. “I want to see some planes turning and going upside down,” said Spc. Sanchez Nelson, a 7th Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment automations shop Soldier. “I want to see them jumping out of the planes. I want to see it all.”

Matt Younkin, a third generation pilot in the air show, flies the Twin Beech 18. Demonstrating his expertise, he took all kinds of turns in the aircraft that left the crowd cheering, shocked and amazed. “The Twin Beech was made by women, because the men were off fighting the war,” said Jeff Gibbs, the crew chief for Younkin. “Matt flies them, and he is an incredible pilot who loves what he does, and I am just here to maintain his aircraft, so he can continue to do it.”

Younkin is not the only one who loves what he does – several others have expressed they love to come out and enjoy the show the pilots put on. “I have never been to an air show before, and I am excited to see the biplanes and their formations,” said Pvt. 1st Class Ashley Marino, a spectator who serves with the 7th Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment. “I love how the biplanes cross each other and show the patterns with their smoke. I wanted them to make me a believer,” said Nelson. “I only see this kind of stuff in the movies, and now I am excited that I got the chance to witness this for myself.”

The C-47 took off down the runway for a much unexpected surprise. “I thought only the 101st Parachute (Demonstration) Team was going to perform, but when I heard the announcer say the team was from back before I was born, I was shocked,” said Staff Sgt. Eric Pickens, a 563rd Aviation Support Battalion, Headquarters Support Company Land and Ammunition NCO.

Aircraft weren’t the only thing that was a crowd pleaser, the 4th Brigade Combat Team air assaulted into the field taking the crowd by storm. “The air assault was cool,” said Bryce Payne, an 11-year-old spectator. “I liked the Blackhawks the most.”

“I thought it was really cool,” said Laura Luberski, an air show observer. “I like how they had the enemy, and I could identify what they were doing. It was really fun (to watch).”

The air assault was the last event for the 2012 Week of the Eagles Air Show, but the fun continues on through Aug. 17, come and support your favorite brigade Soldiers during the various tournaments, so they can earn bragging rights this year.

(US Army Photo: Soldiers from the 4th Brigade Combat Team kneel in front of the crowd after conducting an air assault simulation event for the Super Saturday Air Show on Fort Campbell, Ky., Aug. 11. Photo by Sgt. Shanika L. Futrell, 159th Combat Aviation Brigade Public Affairs)

FMI: www.army.mil