Cannon AFB in eastern N.M. hosting 'Wings Over Cannon' air show Saturday, open to public
The general public will have an opportunity to experience the specialized airpower of Cannon Air Force Base up close and personal for the first time in five years when the base hosts the "Wings Over Cannon" air show Saturday.
The free air show at the eastern New Mexico air base — the first since 2018 — will feature two hours of aerial performances and demonstrations from Cannon's Air Commandos, aircraft on static display, activities for kids, and an entire hangar dedicated to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education and innovation.
Headlining the show is the Air Combat Command’s A-10C Thunderbolt II Demonstration Team. The demonstration team, stationed out of Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, travels to airshows around the country to showcase the unique combat capabilities of the A-10 Thunderbolt, a close air support aircraft that provides invaluable protection to troops on the ground, according to a news release from the 27th Special Operations Wing.
Spectators will have an opportunity to watch a capabilities exercise featuring a number of aircraft stationed at Cannon, including the AC-130J Ghostrider, MC-130J Commando II, U-28A Draco, and the Amarillo-built CV-22 Osprey. Folks will also get the chance to see the MQ-9 Reaper in flight.
Other demonstrations include a flyover of a B-1B Lancer out of Dyess Air Force Base near Abilene, a performance by the U.S. Air Force Academy Aerobatic Glider Demonstration Team and a flyover of a KC-135 Stratotanker from March Air Force Base in California.
Air performances begin at noon and run until 2 p.m. MT.
Among the aircraft on static display will be an F-35 Lightning II from the 56th Fighter Wing based out of Luke Air Force Base. The F-35 is a fifth-generation fighter that features advanced stealth, sensor fusion and logistics support capabilities that provide increased survivability in an advanced threat environment, the 27 SOW said. En route to the base, the craft is expected to fly over Clovis and Portales around 10:30 a.m. MT Friday.
In addition to the aerial acrobatics, the event will feature a car show with more than 40 vehicles called "Cannon Thunder," hosted by Cannon Force, the 27th Special Operations Force Support Squadron. A kids zone with bouncers and games is available for a fee, and local food trucks will be selling food and drinks (water is free).
"We are extremely happy to be able to open our gates to the community," Col. Terence Taylor, 27th Special Operations Wing commander, said in the news release. “The Air Force values and relies on public trust to carry out our mission. Air shows give us an opportunity to engage, educate, and inspire attendees. By showcasing the war-winning capabilities of the Air Force and the 27th Special Operations Wing, the public and local community have a better understanding of how Cannon Air Force Base contributes to national defense, and what the men and women of Team Cannon do to protect our nation."
Cannon's main gate opens to the public at 9 a.m. MT Saturday. Aerial performances start at noon, and the base closes to inbound traffic at 3 p.m. All public must be off base by 5 p.m. Air show admission and parking are free.
Additional details about the event can be found at www.cannon.af.mil/Wings-Over-Cannon/.
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Cannon AFB in eastern N.M. hosting 'Wings Over Cannon' air show Saturday
