Film Festivals, Flyovers Just Two Of The Events Coming November 14-21

Spectacular events, free to the public throughout Southern California for individuals and families, highlight the region's first Air Force Week, November 14-21. Activities showcase the US Air Force's impressive capabilities and recognize the contributions and importance of service members and the communities supporting them.

US Air Force airmen from local Air Force bases will participate in demonstrations, flyovers, film festivals, concerts, educational activities and unique expositions.

Events include Air Force Week Opening Ceremonies November 14 at 10:30 am at Hollywood and Highland Center with flyovers of military aircraft rarely seen by the public; a proclamation ceremony including government, military and community dignitaries; and presentation to the Air Force of an honorary replica of the Hollywood Walk of Fame star, celebrating 44 Air Force veterans with their own Walk of Fame stars.

An Air Force Exposition November 14-16 from 10 am to 8 pm at Hollywood and Highland Center features aircraft and interactive flight simulators such as the F-22 Raptor cockpit demonstrator -- an exact replica of the F-22's cockpit; air, space and cyberspace technology; aircraft models and satellite photos; 30-ft long rocket; a pararescue, rifle drill team and martial arts demonstrations; famous costumes from Hollywood Air Force films; Air Force rock and Dixieland bands; and more.

Free film festivals of legendary movies include discussions with Air Force heroes, actors, directors and/or technical staff from the movie. Films include "Air Force One," November 11 at the Ronald Reagan Library, Simi Valley, with tours of real Air Force One aircraft; "Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country," November 14 at The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Leonard Goldenson Theater, North Hollywood, with director Nicholas Meyer; "Fighter Pilot: Operation Red Flag," November 16 at Regal Entertainment Canyon Country Theater, Santa Clarita, with a fighter pilot; "Apollo 13," November 16 at the Art Center College of Design Ahmanson Auditorium, Pasadena, with an astronaut and Lunar Rover display; and "Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo," November 16 at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Linwood Dunn Theater, Hollywood, honoring World War II surviving Doolittle Raiders and author Joann Doolittle, granddaughter of General Jimmy Doolittle.

Film festivals are free, but online reservations are required and may be made at the FMI link below.

Air Force Week activities also include Wings Over Long Beach, November 15-16 at Long Beach Airport from 9 am to 4 pm with aircraft displays and exhibitions (free parking, $5 admission). The Air Force Band of the Golden West free concert is set for historic Warner Grand Theater, San Pedro, November 16 at 3 pm.

"California is instrumental to air and space enterprises as indicated by an air and space economic impact in excess of $125 billion," says General C. Robert Kehler, commander, Air Force Space Command. "California has a long legacy of air and space 'firsts,' including Capt. 'Chuck" Yeager breaking the sound barrier in 1947, and building the first US space station, Skylab I, and the first geosynchronous communication and meteorological satellites. California continues to lead the nation in technology and is a world leader in the development of future air and space capabilities. The Air Force has reaped tremendous benefits from California's air and space innovations which help us daily to fly, fight and win in air, space and cyberspace."

Southern California Air Force bases participating in Air Force Week include Los Angeles AFB, Vandenberg AFB, Edwards AFB, March Air Reserve Base and Channel Islands Air National Guard Station.

FMI: www.airforceweek.com