Originally created Thursday, October 19, 2006
The making of an air show
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From the spot you parked in, to the aircraft soaring above, someone had to arrange all of those things. ''The process began in August 2005 when NAS Jackson-ville submitted its first official documentation requesting to host the 2006 air show season. There are more than 14 committees consisting of nearly 50 specific areas for execution to safely and successfully put on the air show.
Monthly planning meetings began in February 2006. Throughout the months leading up to the 2006 NAS Jax Air Show, the dedicated planning team, comprised of Sailors and civilians who represent nearly every department at the base, spent many hours planning and coordinating,'' said Air Show Director Cmdr. Ted Carter.
In October 2005, decisions were being made by the air show committee on what aircraft and acts to book for the show. In November, the 210 rooms needed for performers to reside in for the duration of the show were blocked off and the departmental responsibility list was overviewed and set into action.
This past December, key members from Morale, Welfare and Recreation Department (MWR) and Air Operations Department (Air Ops), who represented NAS Jacksonville, attended the International Council of Air Shows (ICAS). The four-day convention is where the schedules for all of the elite jet acts that will be performing at air shows nationwide, including the Blue Angels, are presented. It is also at ICAS that MWR books the civilian acts for the air show and the Air Ops planning team puts in requests for the static displays and military acts. ''ICAS is a way for personnel planning the air show to solicit acts, find creative ways to advertise for our sponsors and to look for a variety. We didn't want all the planes and acts to be the same. Catering to every type of person out there is essential to ensure that it is an amazing experience for everyone who comes,'' said MWR Operations Director Mike McCool.
Key players from departments at NAS Jacksonville who have crucial roles in the execution of the bi-annual air show, gathered together Oct. 4 to go over preparations. Numerous meetings are held to ensure everything runs smoothly during the event.
''Our sponsors made all of this happen. They are the reason we were able to plan such a great show. This year we have received some new sponsors and we welcome back our previous sponsors. Their support is truly appreciated,'' commented Leonard.
At the monthly air show meetings, each department's responsibilities were looked at thoroughly and tracked. Everything from budget preparations and where the Seabees will be erecting new fences, to contacting the ''Make a Wish Foundation'' and rounding up more than 160 volunteers to aid during the air show were discussed at these meetings. No stone was left unturned. ''The weeks leading up to the air show get busier and busier, culminating with the week prior to the air show when the physical layout of the air show takes place. Aircraft flying in to be static displays begin arriving several days before the show and are put into position. Crowd line fencing and concession booths are erected. The Blue Angels arrived on Thursday and conducted an area orientation flight. All other performers, both civilian and military, arrive a day or two prior to Friday's practice show,'' added Carter.
The NAS Jacksonville Security Department takes on the role of safety and security of the guests and performers. ''Our biggest role is coordinating with all of the local law enforcement agencies to provide all the force protection measures that we have to establish in order to meet the requirements for the air show. More than 15 outside agencies team up with our security department to provide support to our mission,'' explained Lt. Randy Gommer, Base Security Department event coordinator.
''We started planning for this 12 months ago. Our department is broken down into many different groups that include, main event security which will monitor the airfield and the spectator area, parking, traffic control enforcement group to accommodate the huge number of guests and the outlying security group. This includes all boat operations on the St. Johns River because normally there are anywhere between 700-1400 boats at the end of the runway for each day of the event filled with spectators that are observing the show from the river. So we coordinate that with our boat operations team and the U.S. Coast Guard.''
There are also other teams of personnel from the base who offer to help. ''NAS Jacksonville Com-mand Master Chief Chris Greene worked with other aviation tenant commands and assembled a group of more than 160 volunteer Sailors and civilians to support the setup, execution and cleanup of the air show,'' said Carter.
''Without these fine people dedicating their time and talent, there simply would not be an air show. Our volunteers will work into the evening each day to clean, check security fencing and make many preparations for the next day. Sunday evening after the air show is complete, our folks will work into the night cleaning up and tearing down the security barriers and crowd fencing.''
''Their hard work and labor will continue on into Monday morning to ensure that the airfield is completely checked for foreign debris and safe to resume normal military operations at NAS Jackson-ville,'' he continued.
Although it takes literally thousands of people to pull the show together, you won't find anyone who is not looking forward to opening day and seeing all their efforts come together.
''The NAS Jacksonville Air Show is a total team effort, all NAS departments play a key role and most tenants are very involved in making this event special. We look forward to opening the gates to the public and exposing our friends and neighbors in the Jacksonville area to their Navy and this wonderful installation,'' stated NAS Jacksonville Executive Officer Capt. Chuck Tamblyn.
