'Warriors Over the Wasatch' on track to exceed 600K attendance


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HILL AIR FORCE BASE — When Thunderbird pilot Maj. Kevin Walsh launched his F-16 straight into the sky Saturday, his passenger, Jason Hunt, said it was like flying straight into the sun.

"You could never imagine. It was a once in a lifetime experience," Hunt said after his flight, a little disheveled but flushed with excitement.

Hunt was hand-picked by the Thunderbirds, the U.S. Air Force's elite air demonstration team, for their Hometown Hero program, an initiative to recognize citizens who give back to their community.

Hunt is the clinical director of head and neck surgical oncology at the University of Utah, and has helped patients overseas, treating tumors in Nigeria and Kenya.

"We get to say thank you in a pretty unique way for somebody who has contributed to the community in a special way, and Dr. Hunt epitomizes that," Walsh said. "The way I say thank you is take you up in a Thunderbird jet, pull nine Gs, and do a couple loops and rolls."

The Thunderbirds' Hometown Hero flight was one of dozens of performances at the "Warriors Over the Wasatch" air show Saturday, Hill Air Force Base's biennial open house and air show.

An estimated 300,000 Utahns from across the Wasatch Front packed parking lots blocks away and stood in massive lines to see Saturday's air show, one of Utah's largest events.

As traffic in Davis County thickened Saturday afternoon — causing major delays on I-15 off-ramps — Air Force officials said attendance was possibly on track to exceed 2014's 550,000 turnout by the time the show wraps up Sunday evening.

"At this rate, it is possible we could surpass 600,000," said Lt. Col. Kris Long, air show coordinator. "It's going exceptionally well, way better than even we anticipated."

Some, like Vicki Mager, of Clinton, waited through two hours of traffic and security before gaining access to the show. But to her, it was worth it.

"It's been so awesome," Mager said, before her voice was drowned out by a roaring F-35 as it rocketed down the flight line.

The Breitling Jet Team performs during the "Warriors Over the Wasatch" open house and air show at Hill Air Force Base on Saturday, June 25, 2016. (Photo: Spenser Heaps, Deseret News)
The Breitling Jet Team performs during the "Warriors Over the Wasatch" open house and air show at Hill Air Force Base on Saturday, June 25, 2016. (Photo: Spenser Heaps, Deseret News)

Mager said she hadn't been to the Utah Air Force show for at least 10 years — and while security has tightened and crowds have exploded, she said she's loved every minute because it's reminded her of her father, who served as a major in the National Guard before he passed away in 2009.

"I really enjoy seeing everyone in their uniforms," she said. "It makes you think back on how much people have sacrificed so you can be free."

The show is meant to connect Utahns with the military, while promoting recruitment and boosting morale among soldiers, Long said.

"It's the only event of its kind where you can come, learn about all aspects of the military. It's not just the Air Force. We have every single type of military service represented here," he said. "For the folks old enough to enlist, they can talk to recruiters. And when the public interacts with the solders, they tell them, 'You're incredible. Thank you for your service,' and it reinforces to them how important and special their jobs are."

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds fly F-16 Fighting Falcons during the "Warriors Over the Wasatch" open house and air show at Hill Air Force Base on Saturday, June 25, 2016. (Photo: Spenser Heaps, Deseret News)
The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds fly F-16 Fighting Falcons during the "Warriors Over the Wasatch" open house and air show at Hill Air Force Base on Saturday, June 25, 2016. (Photo: Spenser Heaps, Deseret News)

A crowd favorite, in addition to the Thunderbirds, was the Breitling Jet Team, making its first ever appearance in Utah. The team's seven L-39 Albatros jets were flown by French Air Force pilots. They soared in graceful, calculated formations, at times approaching more than 500 mph.

"The fact that we were able to bring these guys here and offer two different perspectives of military jet teams is really awesome," Long said.

The event, free to the public, cost about $680,000 to put on, including $200,000 in federal Air Force funds, and $480,000 in state funds appropriated by the Military Affairs Committee, Long said.

By the end of the weekend, the event is expected to pump about $50 million into the economy in travel costs, lodging, fuel, transportation, event contracting and vendors, Long added.

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds fly F-16 Fighting Falcons during the "Warriors Over the Wasatch" open house and air show at Hill Air Force Base on Saturday, June 25, 2016. (Photo: Spenser Heaps, Deseret News)
The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds fly F-16 Fighting Falcons during the "Warriors Over the Wasatch" open house and air show at Hill Air Force Base on Saturday, June 25, 2016. (Photo: Spenser Heaps, Deseret News)

Sgt. 1st Class Jon Ewald, a jumper with the the U.S. Army Parachute Team's Golden Knights, said while it's thrilling to free fall at 120 mph out of a plane flying 2.5 miles above the Earth, the real reward of the event is engaging with the community.

"Especially for the men and women overseas defending us, it's amazing to have the public's support," he said.

Contributing: Geoff Liesik, KSL TV

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