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Tuesday, October 9, 2012

ARCHIVE / SEMPER FLY / LARGEST U.S. MILITARY AIR SHOW--PERIOD

USMC Tiltrotor Osprey
GUEST BLOG—By S.W. Busby, Brigadier General, U.S. Marine Corps, Commanding General, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. The theme for the 2012 MCAS Miramar Air Show, which runs from October 12 to 14, is "Marines in Flight: Celebrating 50 Years of Space Exploration." We take great pride in the history and tradition of the NASA program and reflect on the achievements of men like former Senator John Glenn Jr. and current NASA Administrator, MajGen Charles Bolden, USMC (Ret.).

USMC Brig. Gen. S.W. Busby
Both gentlemen were former United States Marine Corps aviators who were selected to fly for NASA, and Maj. Gen Bolden was the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Commanding General from 2000 to 2002. Earlier this year, NASA transferred the Discovery space shuttle to the National Air and Space Museum to begin its new mission to commemorate past achievements in space and to educate and inspire future generations of explorers.

We are pleased to welcome back the world famous U.S. Navy Blue Angels for what is sure to be another thrilling performance. Additionally, MCAS Miramar is honored to host an amazing line up of military and civilian performers, including the F-22 Raptor, AV-8B Harrier, F/A-18 Hornet, and the Marine Air and Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Demonstration Team. The MAGTF Demonstration displays the coordinated use of close air support, armor, artillery and infantry forces as F/A-18 Hornets and AV-8B Harriers provide cover while tilt-rotor aircraft and helicopters bring in platoons of riflemen. KC-130 Hercules aircraft provide aerial refueling overhead, and M1-A1 tanks and light armored vehicles support the ground offensive. The MAGTF Demonstration is one of the most exciting performances and truly shows the unique capabilities of the Marine Corps.

Not only will guests enjoy exciting aerial performances from all of these talented aviators demonstrating their incredible flying abilities, but the MCAS Miramar flight line will also feature static displays, including past and present military equipment exhibits, air show memorabilia and plenty of refreshments to keep you cool while you enjoy the inspiring feats of these pilots. Please join us so as to explore our military aircraft, or just sit back and enjoy the show.

You are encouraged to talk to the Marines, Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen and Coast Guardsmen who are there to support the show. Many of the young men and women you will meet have deployed numerous times in our fight against terrorism and to promote peace throughout the world. Their enthusiasm for what they do, and their passion for protecting our way of life, will impress you. In addition to our uniformed personnel, we salute the military families who support their loved ones, constantly answering the call of duty. Take a moment to thank these men and women who have routinely deployed to preserve the freedoms we enjoy every day. They are our American heroes.

MCAS Miramar has a long, rich history with the citizens of San Diego, and with those from around the Nation. We value this relationship, and consider it an honor to serve and protect the citizens of the United States. On behalf of MCAS Miramar's Marines and Sailors, we would like to thank San Diego for its unprecedented support of our young men and women in uniform. The air show is our way of thanking you for all you do. We are honored to share this incredible experience with you and truly hope you enjoy the [free] air show. Semper Fidelis

For more information on the show: http://www.miramarairshow.com/schedule.html

Caption: USMC medium tiltrotor Osprey aircraft.

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