The California Air National Guard Performs at the California Capital Airshow with Strength

Photo By Senior Airman Madison Hampton | Pararescue Jumpers from the 129th Rescue Wing boarded a vehicle after their rescue demonstration at the California Capital Airshow located at Mather Airport near Sacramento, Calif. Oct. 6, 2019.  

SACRAMENTO, CA, UNITED STATES

10.06.2019

Story by Capt. Jason Sanchez 

144th Fighter Wing

Rancho Cordova, Calif. – The California Air National Guard and all five of its wings participated in this year’s California Capital Airshow at Mather Airport near Sacramento, California, Oct. 5 and Oct. 6, 2019. The Air Guard demonstrated their unique capabilities to support both state and federal missions while putting on a great performance for airshow guests.

Besides the aircraft demonstrations during the flying portion of the airshow, guests got to see some of the Air Guard’s aircraft up close on static display. Guests also interacted with pilots, aircrews, and Airmen on the ground.
Maj. Gen. Gregory Jones, California Air National Guard commander, said, “We had a great presence at the airshow. Our Airmen demonstrated what the California Air Guard can do, and our Airmen performed multiple demonstrations with expert precision.”

One of the goals of the Air Guard is to share their missions with guests and performers.

“In addition to our federal missions, the Air Guard assists the state of California and the governor during times of emergency. Along with the Army Guard, we support and augment state agencies and emergency services to increase response efforts and improve efficiency in the event of wildfires, rescues, floods or other natural disasters,” said Jones. “During the airshow, our ‘Citizen Airmen’ demonstrated our capabilities to answer both the nation’s call and California’s call.”
As the first aircraft from the California ANG to perform in the airshow, the 146th Airlift Wing executed a water drop using their C-130J’s Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System, or MAFFS. These aircraft are routinely used to assist Cal Fire and the U.S. Forest Service in efforts to suppress wildfires throughout California.

The 129th Rescue Wing (RQW) performed a search and rescue demonstration, which included an HC-130J Combat King II, an HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter, and their elite team of pararescue jumpers. During the demonstration, the PJs parachuted from the C-130 and were joined by aircrew on the ground who rappelled from the Pave Hawk, reenacting search and rescue missions that occurred during recent deployments to the Middle East. Following the search and rescue demonstration, the 129th RQW accomplished midair refueling of the Pave Hawk helicopter from the C-130.

After some of the aerial demonstrations, the 129th RQW’s Pave Hawk was made available for guests to see up close and even climb inside. Lucky guests were thrilled.

Senior Airman Bryan Colucci, 129th RQW special mission aviator said, “The kids were wide-eyed and many of them told me they wanted to be a helo or fixed-wing Air Force pilot when they grew up. By far, the best part was watching their faces light up as they toggled switches, put the helmet on, and moved the flight controls like they were really flying it.”

“Some of the older individuals had nostalgic stories of flying in the Huey during previous wars,” said Colucci. “And it was awesome that they shared their experiences with us. We even had former 129th helo pilots talk about flying our exact tail number in combat when they were serving.”

The PJ’s were one of the crowd favorites. Following their jump from the C-130, airshow attendees stood, staring up, as the team slowly parachuted down to the landing site in front of the stands. After their portion of the demonstration was over, they were picked up and driven back to the staging area with cheers from the crowd.

Tech. Sgt. Adrian Dang, 129th Rescue Wing PJ team lead, said, “The crowd was ecstatic!”

“After our jump on Saturday, we were fortunate enough to get some face time with the people,” said Dang. “They asked to take pictures with us and thanked us for serving our great country. It was a great experience¬-- to be able to talk to our fellow Americans and to showcase some of the things we are able to do on the battlefield.”

While the 129th RQW aircraft were in the air, an F-15C Eagle from 144th Fighter Wing roared overhead and completed several lower passes as the busy airspace cleared. The 144th FW brought two F-15C Eagles to the airshow; one was on static display and one flew during each day. The F-15C on static display featured a unique paint scheme commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the 194th Fighter Squadron.

Maj. Matt Eslow, 144th Fighter Wing pilot, flew the F-15C Eagle during both flying demonstrations, but he also spoke to airshow attendees in front of the static display, answering questions and greeting visitors.
“Spectators of all ages were curious and asking questions,” said Eslow. “Some people were very surprised to hear about how fast or how high the F-15 can fly.”

Maj. Eslow said that he is often impressed by the types of questions that come from some of the younger boys and girls.

“They have very specific questions, indicating that they are somewhat knowledgeable about aviation,” said Eslow. “These are the kids that have the same passion that drives most fighter pilots to succeed, and I hope that I helped to grow that passion.”

The 163d Attack Wing provided a static display of the MQ-9 Reaper, a remotely piloted aircraft. The MQ-9 is now regularly used to survey vast areas of California wildfires to conduct mapping and to help coordinate response efforts.
Finally, the 195th Wing, which includes intelligence and space operations, hosted a tent with tactical equipment for airshow guests to see and explore.

Darcy Brewer, California Capital Airshow executive director, said, "The crowds were wowed by the California Air National Guard performances! I feel confident that the public went back into their communities sharing a far better understanding of the unique humanitarian and defense missions the dedicated citizen-Airmen serve for our state, our nation and beyond.”

“The flying, displays and strong personnel presence made clear the opportunities for the future to young people within the California Air National Guard, and now when our residents see a MAFFS C-130 overhead, they will know it’s a neighbor serving to protect them,” Said Brewer. “Our region is lucky to have had such a thrilling experience and honored to have headquarters located near Mather Airport. We look forward to showcasing the talents, assets, and success stories of the California Air National Guard in a big way in future years."

In addition to honoring our military members, one of the themes of this year’s airshow was inspiring young people to dream big and explore the world of aviation.

Senior Airman William Socha, 144th Fighter Wing engine maintainer said, “The enthusiasm from the little kids and young people made it worth it. Seeing their eyes light up when they came over to take a picture right next to the aircraft never failed to make me smile.”

The 2019 California Capital Airshow had about 120,000 guests in attendance this year, which was the largest crowd to date. This was its fourteenth annual event since it was established in 2004. The California Air National Guard had its greatest level of involvement in this year’s airshow, and it continues to maintain a large presence in this highly popular and growing Sacramento-based airshow.

• Date Taken: 10.06.2019
• Date Posted: 11.20.2019 13:04
• Story ID: 352571
• Location: SACRAMENTO, CA, US