Wethersfield ‘Meets’ F100D at Open House

[The Patriot]

Wethersfield ‘Meets’ F100D at Open House

09-09-2010 03:11 AM

ShareThis Published:
Thu, 2010-09-09 11:10


Wethersfield ‘Meets’ F100D at Open House


Wethersfield ‘Meets’ F100D at Open House


1952
Wethersfield, England

More than 46,000 visitors crowded into the air base here to welcome the F100D Super Sabre to the United Kingdom. The base held open house as a prelude to the Super Sabre’s being put into service by the 20th Fighter-Bomber Wing.
The open house was so successful that it has reportedly claimed an alltime high attendance record for any one-day event ever held at a USAF base in England. Press attending described it as a unique program.
British police combined efforts with the air police to direct the 17,000 vehicles bringing visitors from all over southern England.
Most spectacular in the afternoon’s activities proved to be the USAF Skyblazers, an aerial demonstration team flying the sleek Super Sabres with breath taking precision. The team took command of the air for a repeat performance when they learned the attendance had doubled after their first flying demonstration. An RAF Hawker Hunter team also presented a flying exhibition.
It took the visitors only 25 minutes to eat the 500-pound cake baked and decorated for the occasion by the base food service.
150 Dignitaries
When the visitors tired of looking over the 18 different types of British and American aircraft in static display, they moved into a hangar where they danced to music furnished by the 686th USAFE Band.
Earlier in the day, 150 British and American military and civilian dignitaries and newsmen were given a special briefing including films, listening to and watching a powerful Super Sabre engine runup, closely inspecting the F100D, and talking over problems related to the new aircraft.
The briefing was given by Col. Michael C. McCarthy, director of operations, 20th Fighter-Bomber Wing, following a welcoming address given by Col. Raymond F. Toliver, commander of the 20th Fighter-Bomber Wing.


Source: Stars and Stripes Archives







More...