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Spangdahlem Air Base Open House 2011
SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany – U.S. and NATO aircraft sit on display during the Spangdahlem Air Base Open House 2011 here July 31. The 52nd Fighter Wing invited the public onto the base to demonstrate the capabilities of the U.S. and its NATO partners. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Matthew B. Fredericks)
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 SLIDESHOW - Spangdahlem Air Base Open House 2011
Spangdahlem opens house to international crowd

Posted 8/1/2011   Updated 8/1/2011 Email story   Print story

    


by Senior Airman Daryl Knee
52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs


8/1/2011 - SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- The 52nd Fighter Wing hosted a two-day open house event here July 30 - 31, which included demonstrations of military capabilities and static aircraft displays.

About 40,000 people attended the exhibition -- 20,000 more than the open house in 2008.

"It was a spectacular event," said Col. Chris Weggeman, 52nd Fighter Wing commander. "The turnout was wonderful. As an Eifel community, we have a shared sense of purpose, and events like these make what we do on a day-to-day basis more effective."

NATO service members displayed nearly 20 NATO aircraft, and the F-16 Fighting Falcon and A-10 Thunderbolt II provided demonstrations.

"It was good to have this open house," said Alex Thiel, a German visitor to the base. "It was good to see up-close how each machine works, and it let people in who couldn't normally come here."

Ansgar Gehlel, an aviation fan from Germany, travels to different air bases throughout Europe to view aircraft demonstrations. He and his friends said they attended the event not fully knowing what to expect.

"I definitely learned more about the base after coming here," he said with a laugh. "All of the displays, and especially the jets, were very interesting."

For images of the open house, visit http://www.spangdahlem.af.mil.



tabComments
8/10/2011 6:11:08 AM ET
I already enjoy the Open House in 2008 and I have to say that 2011 was also great. All the people on the base were really kind and I had a great day. It was nice to walk around planes without barrier talk with mechanics pilots etc ... All the demos on the ground and in the Air were really great. Lets' hope you'll continue to offer us the opportunity to visit the base very soon again. The only regret I have is that there was no KC-135 no C-17 and C-5. As the flying display increased since 2008 let's hope that a real airshow couls be organized at Spangdahlem Airbase ... Regards. Fabien
Niesette Fabien, Welkenraedt - Belgium
 
8/7/2011 4:53:14 PM ET
Thanks for a great open house my wife and friends had a great time thanks to the wonderful food friendly people shows and the all-american atmosphere.... keep up the good work Greatly appreciated here in Holland..
Eric Schouten, The Netherlands
 
8/5/2011 6:36:43 AM ET
I had a really great time and loved the show.As a 'spotter' this was a rare oportunity to see the USAFE up close. Thank you for this great day and the warm welcome.Best wishes Andre Vos
Andre Vos, Amersfoort The Netherlands
 
8/3/2011 4:21:07 PM ET
Very nice weekned and great show.Many thanks to the US troops It was an honour.With best regardsOliver Panning
oliver panning, germany
 
8/3/2011 4:20:01 PM ET
Very nice weekned and great show.Many thanks to the US troops It was an honour.With best regardsOliver Panning
Oliver Panning, germany
 
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