Page 43 - World Airshow News Q3 2024

Report and photography by Audrey Lee

latest and greatest technology,” he said. a medical evacuation demo. The demon- integral role in protecting the Pacific
“I’m getting to see it for the first time, stration featured the battle management with our international partners is one of
which has been great.” role of Alaska’s AWACS team, an aerial re- the many reasons why the JBER Open
The Raptor plays a crucial role in the fuel with a C-130, and a few dozen para- House is a must-see for Alaska’s mission
defense of the Arctic Front. Alaska F- chute jumpers from the Anchorage C-17. stakeholders.
22s respond to interceptions with enemy The announcers described an in-depth JBER’s Arctic Thunder Open House
forces, train in the Alaskan mountains wartime scenario where the Joint-Force is the second-largest event in the state
every day, and are well-maintained to en- seamlessly worked together to ward off of Alaska, with a recorded attendance of
sure maximum readiness. “The F-22 pro- the enemy forces from the air and from over 260,000. Attendees from Seward to
vides the air dominance role,” continued the ground. The airshow hosts empha- Denali made the trek to Anchorage and
Capt. Larson about how the Raptor im- sized that this performance was the larg- enjoyed local flavors of fresh Halibut and
pacts the PACAF mission. “Especially in est combat arms demonstration in North Alaskan brews. People of all ages and
this theater, it’s very important to have a America. backgrounds soaked up the summer sun
capable air-to-air fighter. We provide that Alaska’s international partners also and witnessed firsthand what happens at
air dominance capability, and we’re ready joined in, sharing their capabilities and the base.
at a moment’s notice.” air dominance. German Panavia Torna- “The reputation for community sup-
JBER is a joint base, meaning both dos, which were attending exercise Arctic port in Alaska is first among equals,” said
Army and Air Force troops call this sta- Defender the week before, stayed for the Major General Joe Hilbert, command-
tion home. Army squadrons based at Open House and flew a special aerobatic er of the 11th Airborne Division. “It’s
JBER, and attached to Alaskan Com- demonstration. This was an exciting fea- known that if you are stationed in Alaska,
mand (ALCOM), showcased their skills, ture, as only three countries in the world the communities outside the base are in-
and the U.S. Army Parachute Team, the still fly the Tornado. Even within Ger- credibly supportive of the soldiers, air-
Golden Knights, wowed the crowd below. many, only two squadrons still utilize this men, sailors, and their families.”
Another impressive demonstration aircraft for missions. Every day, fighter jets, cargo planes,
was the Joint Force Demonstration, fea- The Joint Pacific Alaska Range Com- and helicopters buzz the Alaskan sky. The
turing squadrons from both the Army plex draws air forces worldwide for air- base continues operations and protects
and Air Force sides of the base. Eielson to-air and air-to-ground exercises. Ger- the homeland during the long winter
AFB F-35s and F-16s acted as the enemy, many’s involvement with Arctic Defend- months and invites the public to engage
while F-22s and C-17s from JBER coor- er 2024, along with France and Spain, with the mission in the summer. General
dinated a defensive air-to-air combat sce- ensures maximum collaboration with Hilbert concludes, “It’s a great opportuni-
nario. The Army also brought their best Alaska’s forces, and helps protect the In- ty to highlight what our soldiers are doing
tanks and helicopters, complete with do-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) on a daily basis, and to see what’s behind
troops, a firefight, pyrotechnics, and even region. Raising awareness about JBER’s that great big fence.”

Left most: F-22 Raptor
demonstration pilot Capt. Sam
“RaZZ” Larson rains flares on
Joint-Base Elmendorf-Richardson
during his demo flight.
Top left: The PACAF F-16 Viper
Demo Team flew a local Alaskan
Aggressor from Eielson Air Force
Base, with iconic black and white
splinter paint.

Bottom left: German Panavia
Tornados, attending exercise
Arctic Defender the week before,
stayed for the Open House
and flew a special aerobatic
demonstration.

World Airshow News 43 Quarter 3, 2024