AFMC Command News

Don't miss the sights, sounds of AFMC Freedom's Call Tattoo

  • Published
  • By Kim Dawley
  • Air Force Materiel Command Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  The songs of .38 Special, the sight of 19 flyovers and a chance to fly the Wright Flyer are but a few of the offerings at the sixth annual Air Force Materiel Command Freedom's Call Tattoo 2010 on June 25.

Freedom's Call Tattoo -- free and open to the public -- takes place on the grounds of the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. Gates open at 4 p.m., allowing plenty of time for visitors to take in all their favorite attractions before Tattoo begins at 8 p.m.

"Tattoo was so well-received its first year that, every year since, we've worked hard to make it even more dynamic and exciting for our patrons, while still holding on to the core charter of Tattoo," said Dave Egner, Freedom's Call Tattoo director.

This year is no different.

Core Tattoo events are time-honored recognitions of excellence. For example, to honor its military roots, Tattoo 2010 will include the posting of the colors. Part of the program also includes the swearing in of new Air Force recruits and honoring of a special World War II veteran. This year's theme of 'Reflections on 60 Years' commemorates and honors veterans from the Korean War.

Visitors to Tattoo 2010 will also be wowed by 19 aerial flyovers, featuring more than 10 different heritage and military aircraft, including the F-22 Raptor.

In addition to military tradition and remembrance, music and lights will fill the air at Tattoo. The United States Air Force Band of Flight will perform during the Tattoo ceremony, augmented this year by the U.S. Air Force Band of Liberty and the Air National Guard Band of the Great Lakes. Southwest Ohio-based band This Side Up and special guest performer .38 Special will also take the stage. The evening will conclude with a spectacular fireworks display.

Other attractions to look forward to at Freedom's Call 2010 include:

Technology Exposition Tent -- Located in the spectator area, this year's air-conditioned, nearly 5,000-square-foot tent will showcase technological capabilities developed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, and used by warfighters throughout the Air Force.

Wright B Flyer Simulator -- This fun physical and mental challenge replicates the control system of the Wright Brothers' airplanes that were made from 1908 until 1913. This unorthodox control system is often a special challenge to experienced pilots; the more flying hours someone has, the more difficult the simulator is to fly. In fact, one of the simulator's best pilots was an eight year old girl, said Bonnie Holtmann, Volunteer Resources manager at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. The Wright B Flyer Simulator will be featured inside the Technology Exposition Tent from 4 to 8 p.m.

U.S. Air Force Recruiting Service's 'Command Center Alpha' -- Brand new to the Recruiting Service, and making its debut in the Dayton area, Command Center Alpha is a full virtual reality simulator and includes a full scale F-16 Thunderbird. The Air Force recruiters will also showcase the Air Force X-1, a Ford Mustang converted to resemble the inside of an F-16 Fighting Falcon.

Global Hawk, Predator, Reaper and BATMAV models -- Subject matter experts will be on-hand to show and talk about the latest technology in unmanned aerial systems. To date, the Global Hawk has provided Air Force and joint war-fighting commanders more than 255,000 near-real-time, high-resolution intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance images in support of the war on terror, flying more than 750 missions and 15,400 combat hours.

The Predator's primary mission is interdiction and conducting armed reconnaissance against critical, perishable targets; the Reaper's primary mission is to act as a persistent hunter-killer against emerging targets; and BATMAV, or Battlefield Air Targeting Micro Air Vehicle, is a fully autonomous UAV that weighs less than one pound, can transmit live streaming video during the day or at night and provides real-time, actionable targeting data.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

Entry: General public can enter through gates at the intersection of Airway and Spinning roads, the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force entrance on Springfield Street or the Armory Gate on Harshman Road. Base ID cardholders can enter through Gate 22B off of Col. Glenn Highway.

Parking: On museum grounds as directed by security personnel, with handicapped parking available and accessible from each gate.

Park 'n' Ride: Provided courtesy of Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority from Parking Lot 20 off Wright State Road, near Wright State University's Nutter Center. Lot 20 will be marked with signs and on-site personnel will direct parking. Buses will depart every 10 to 15 minutes beginning at 4 p.m. and run until about 11 p.m. Riders will be allowed to bring lawn chairs and blankets on the buses.

Allowed items: Strollers, infant diaper bags, cameras and cases, small purses and pocketbooks are permitted, but subject to inspection. Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets.

Prohibited items: Coolers, fireworks, backpacks, skateboards, in-line skates and glass bottles are prohibited for security reasons.

For more information: Become a fan of AFMC_Now on Facebook or follow AFMC_Now on Twitter. Additional event information, along with maps for parking and directions, can also be found by visiting the Tattoo Web site at www.wpafb.af.mil/tattoo