SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER, La. — Barksdale Air Force Base, in partnership with the Shreveport-Bossier Military Affairs Council, is hosting the annual Barksdale Air Force Base Open House and Air Show from 11 a.m.-5 p.m., April 26-27.
This free event invites the public onto Barksdale’s military base located in Bossier City, Louisiana. to watch the air show with a line-up of more than 25 performances by Barksdale pilots, civilian and other aerobatic pilots, including the famous U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the Boeing B-52.
More than 25 other aerobatics performances are scheduled, including performances by Jeremy Holt, Dave Leedom, Matt Younkin, Mike Goulian, Jim Tobul and more. Several of the air crafts include X300s, 5-25 Mitchells, A-70 Thunderbolts, F-15E Strike Eagles, F-22s and much more.
Barksdale Air Force Base is known as the home of the American Boeing B-52, which is a long-range, jet-powered strategic bomber capable of carrying 70,000 pounds of weapons with a speed of 644 miles per hour or over 10 miles per minute.
“What I love most is having the community come on base and get a firsthand look at what we do,” said Major Sharon Branick, chief of public affairs for the Barksdale Air Force Base. “I hope we inspire the youth in the community to one day join our forces.”
Guests may enter the base through Gates 23, 25 and 27. Gates open at 9 a.m., and performances begin at 11 a.m. The last performance for each day will begin at 3 p.m. After the show has concluded, performers will be signing autographs until 4:30 p.m. A variety of concessions will also be available throughout the two-day event.
Weekend crowds are expected to total 200,000 for the event. Guests are granted access to tour retired military planes and installations, as well as other equipment.
For more information: BarksdaleafbAirshow.com or 318-456-6955.