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Air Force Week continues in St. Louis

  • Published
ST LOUIS --  The first-ever Air Force Week continued Wednesday with the opening of the Air Force interactive exhibit "Cross Into the Blue" and appearances by Air Force Lt. Col. Terry Virts, a NASA astronaut, and Maj. Rob Novotny, a fighter pilot featured in the IMAX film, "Fighter Pilot," at the St. Louis Science Center.

Colonel Virts and Major Novotny spoke to crowds of over more that 100 people about their experiences in the Air Force. They met with visitors, answered questions and signed autographs throughout the afternoon.

"Cross Into the Blue," a high-tech, interactive exhibit featuring a F-16 Fighting Falcon, an extreme equilibrium ride and several interactive games, attracted a steady crowd throughout its first day at the Science Center. The exhibit will be open through Thursday and is free to the public.

The purpose of Air Force week is to raise public awareness of the service's operations, capabilities, and support to the Global War on Terror; showcase its Airmen; and thank its friends in the area for their heartfelt support of its men and women.

"The activities [of Air Force Week] provide a remarkable opportunity for the Air Force to demonstrate the pride and professionalism of the greatest air and space force the world has ever known, " said Air Force Chief of Staff General T. Michael Mosley. "I invite everyone in the greater St. Louis area to come out and enjoy the Air Force Week activities," he said.

Other events scheduled during the week include:
-- Appearances at the Science Center by members of the Air Force's precision flying team, the Thunderbirds, on Thursday. "Fighter Pilot" will also be shown twice daily at the center through Friday.

-- A flyover of downtown St. Louis, including some of its key landmarks such as the Arch and Busch Stadium, on Thursday. The flyover will include a B-2 Spirit bomber, a C-130J, a KC-135 and the Thunderbirds.

The week will be capped off Saturday and Sunday with an Open House and Air Fest at Scott AFB. In addition to the Thunderbirds, the Open House and Air Fest will include fighter and transport aircraft flybys, parachute jumps, numerous static displays, and other demonstrations. The event is free and open to the public.

For more information on Air Force Week events, visit www.afweek.af.mil.