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October 2006
 Ellington
Field, TX- The skies over south east Texas
were clear and the air smelled sweet after heavy rain moved though just
a few days before. The annual Wings Over Houston Air Show got underway
with a preliminary C-17 “media flight” organized by Lt Col Robert Wolin.
The first group of cadets, senior members and media were on board a C-17
Globemaster III for a one hour flight. Several CAP cadets and senior
members waited on the ground for a second, much longer flight.
Once the plane landed
and was refueled the second group boarded through the big cargo doors in
the rear of the plane. Soon were cruising the big blue sky. USAF PAO
S/Am Rachel Martinez, with the “Team McGuire” public relations office
explained her role with this fine aircraft. “I am responsible for
arranging community relations. I organize media flights and CAP C-17
orientation flights at the different air shows”. She was very
knowledgeable about the C-17 and McGuire AFB in New Jersey where the
plane and crew are based.
 C/2Lt
Natalie Oropeza, Sheldon Cadet Squadron, was chosen to sit in the cock
pit during take off. She watched as Galveston and the Texas Gulf coast
went by. We then took a north easterly course toward College Station
and Texas A & M. After going over Kyle Field we headed south along
Highway 6 to Interstate 10. The cadets and senior members all enjoyed
the view from the cock pit during the flight. SSgt. Mitchell Ferguson,
Team McGuire, took time to explain the floor of the cargo area. He
demonstrated how the panels in the floor can be pulled up and reversed
depending on the need. Flying the l-10 corridor toward downtown was
exciting as we identified airports and landmarks along the way. It was
quite a sight as we came in to the downtown area looking at all of the
tall buildings from a different perspective.
 Then
it was time to buckle in for landing. Once on the ground Cadet Claralee
Andrews, Thunderbird Composite Squadron, was tasked with opening the
cargo bay doors.
Wings Over Houston Air
Show runs Saturday 8:00-6:00 and Sunday8:00-5:00 at Ellington Field near
Clear Lake Tx. The USAF Thunderbirds will perform precision flying along
with many other exciting aircraft. For more information please go to:
www.wingsoverhouston.com
Article and photos submitted by
1st
Lt Denise Thompson |
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