TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. —
Travis AFB opened its gates this past weekend during the Wings Over Solano open house and air show March 16-17.
Air shows are an opportunity for military installations to show appreciation to the local communities that support them. Attendees were able to witness how Team Travis Airmen, along with other military and civilian services, conduct their mission in support of our nation’s defense.
The headliner for this year’s Wings Over Solano event was the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. Additionally, the line up included the F-22 demonstration team as well as more than 10 other civilian and military aerial demonstrations. Travis AFB showcased the installation’s mobility airframes during the Parade of Heavies, comprised of the C-5M Super Galaxy, C-17 Globemaster III, KC-10 Extender and KC-46A Pegasus.
U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Derek Salmi, 60th Air Mobility Wing commander, hosted the event and expressed his gratitude to the performers, volunteers and families in attendance.
“I want to personally welcome everyone to the 2024 Wings Over Solano,” said Salmi. “This air show has been two years in the making, and we’ve had an incredible team of leaders and volunteers, all coming together to showcase the professionalism and dedication to excellence – not only Team Travis, but our entire military.”
This show was unique since it would be the only time all four mobility aircraft from Travis AFB would be present – the first for the KC-46 and the last for the KC-10. The KC-10 performed a farewell flight as a tribute to its decades of military service.
“It’s somber, but [the KC-10 is] leaving behind a phenomenal legacy and that’s why we’re here today,” said Airman 1st Class Anthony Vargas, 6th Air Refueling Squadron KC-10 flight engineer. “Celebrating that legacy and ushering in a new era of tanker with the KC-46.”
Along with the flying performances and over 40 static aircraft, attendees experienced live music, a family fun zone and STEM exhibits. The exhibits included 3-D printing demonstrations, flight simulators, robotics demonstrations and more.
“We are so happy we are able to open our gates to the community for this event,” said Maj. Justin Leachman, Wings Over Solano director and C-17 instructor pilot. “The kids out there may not remember the specific airplanes they saw this weekend, but I think they’ll absolutely remember the way it made them feel – smiling from ear to ear.”
Whether attendees visited Travis AFB for their first air show or they have been life-long enthusiasts, many expressed their gratitude for being able to share the experience with families.
“Being here with my kids and sharing the same experience I had when I was little is amazing,” said Juliette Salyer-Mozingo, life-long Fairfield resident.
The show concluded with a final performance from the U.S. Navy Blue Angels demonstration team, marking a fitting finale to an event filled with displays of aviation across the armed services.
For more, click here to download HI-RES photos of the air show.
