Duxford American Air day
Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress Sally B Memphis Belle and P-51D-25 Mustang Ferocious Frankie. Photo by Denis J. Calvert Inter-Air Press
Duxford's American Air day held each year late August has been running for several years and remains as popular as ever. Showcasing the combined work of the United States Air Force (USAF) in Europe, and in particular, the Third Air Force, based in the United Kingdom. The day includes ground and flying displays, and fly-pasts by a number of the USAFE Aircraft which are based in East Anglia and flown over from RAF Mildenhall and RAF Lakenheath. The American Air day also features some displays from Duxford based Aircraft, this combination of American Aircraft and Duxford's Aircraft is an acknowledgment of the connection between Duxford Aerodrome and the United States Air Force. This is represented today by the stunning American Air Museum situated at Duxford.
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Duxford Imperial War Museum Website
Duxford American Air day 2009 - Friday 21st August 2009
Lockheed C-130 Hercules and Sikorsky MH-60G/HH-60G Pave Hawk
Photo Bruce Martin
The American Air day was held at Duxford on August 21st, this in fact was the third annual American Air day held at Duxford. This event gives some of the USAF units based in the UK the chance to interact with the general public and show off some of their frontline Aircraft, as well as some of their seldom seen support units.
As well as restored classic American Aircraft such as the B-17 Flying Fortress Sally B, the P-51D Mustang Ferocious Frankie. Several modern Aircraft were displayed including the F-15E Strike Eagle from RAF Lakenheath and a K-135 Tanker from RAF Mildenhall. Also from Mildenhall was an MC-130P Hercules from the 352nd Special Operations Group who dropped parachutist onto the Airfield before landing and parking the Aircraft up on static display.
Images courtesy of Denis J. Calvert Inter-Air Press
As usual service personnel were on hand to meet the public and answer all manner of questions which were put to them. Also there were static exhibits including American military vehicles and the USAFE's own rock band Touch 'n' Go were playing throughout the day.
Images courtesy of Bruce Martin
There were plenty of attractions at Duxford for the event which attracted over 6,000 visitors making it the best attended Duxford American Air day to date.