TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Team Travis pilots of the C-5 Galaxy, C-17 Globemaster III and the KC-10 Extender displayed the proficiency of the all-jet fleet at the "Skies Over Solano" Air Expo here July 30-31.
The three planes flew in formation over a crowd of thousands. Spectators could view the aircraft the 60th Air Mobility Wing employs to support missions anywhere in the world and provide true global outreach.
"These air shows are important because we get to show our appreciation for the community and show off our different aircraft capabilities," said Capt. Chris Hoppin, 21st Airlift Squadron assistant chief of training and C-17 pilot.
The pilots agree that showing the public their skills with the aircraft is not the only beneficial prospect.
"It's vital that the public knows that the pilots are well trained and can control the aircraft skillfully for safety reasons," said Maj. Walker Pearce-Percy, 60th Operations Group chief C-5 evaluator and C-5 pilot. "While I'm flying an air show I keep safety in mind first and then make sure that the audience gets to see a good show."
It is equally rewarding for the pilots to perform in the air show as it is for the crowds to view it, said Major Pearce-Percy.
"We want the community to know what's in their own backyard, and for us it's a chance to do something out of the norm from day to day tasks," said Maj. Matt Husemann, 60th Operational Support Squadron chief wing training and KC-10 pilot. "We are honored to do it."