No-show airshow turns virtual

COLUMBUS AFB, Miss. - Columbus Air Force Base was to have been the sight of the 2020 Wings Over Columbus airshow April 25-26, but with the coronavirus keeping everyone home, the base one-upped the real thing with a virtual air show on April 24 via its Facebook page. The virtual airshow connected the base-community with the opportunity to see the world’s greatest military aviators from a new perspective. The virtual airshow was aimed at showcasing military airpower and to “highlight the dedicated selfless service of our military members all across the globe,” said Col. Samantha Week, 14th Flying Training Wing commander. Personnel at CAFB “work every day to be the premier pilot training wing” and to “create the most advanced generation of pilots, and cultivate all airmen to be bold innovative leaders ready to fly, fight and win.” In a series of 16 videos, the 14th FTW showcased civilian and military aerial demonstration acts, along with highlighting the base’s mission. The virtual show finished with a video showcasing CAFB’s Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training graduation from earlier in the day. Eleven pilots from SUPT Class 20 12/13, earned their silver wings culminating more than a year in pilot training. All the videos are available on the base’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ColumbusAFB/. (Source: CAFB 04/27/20)