Air Force plans 50th gala in LV

Robert Macy

Friday, June 14, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

Air Force veterans from across the country will join aviation leaders from around the world in Las Vegas in April for a celebration marking the 50th anniversary of the Air Force.

Dubbed "Air Force Fifty," the five-day event will culminate with a two-day air show at Nellis Air Force Base featuring the Thunderbirds precision flight team and counterparts from eight foreign countries.

The air show is expected to draw 500,000 to 750,000 people, according to Gene Smith, president of the Arlington, Va.-based Air Force Association.

The convention is expected to draw 15,000 to 20,000 Air Force veterans to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the formation of the Air Force as a separate service branch.

"This will be the biggest event we've ever done," Smith said Thursday.

The Nellis show is expected to feature fight demonstration teams from Canada, Britain, Italy, Russia, Japan, France, Brazil and Chile in addition to the Thunderbirds, who are based at Nellis.

The event will run April 22-26, with the Nellis show the final two days.

Air force chiefs from 113 countries are expected to attend, Smith said.

"Our main goal is to educate the American people on the role of air power," Smith said.

Col. Mary Tripp, who is coordinating the 50th anniversary activities for the Air Force, said the Nellis event promises an air show "the likes of which have never been seen before."

Other anniversary activities are planned at shows in Washington, D.C., New York City, Louisville, Ky., San Antonio, Cheyenne, Wyo., Oklahoma City, Sacramento, Calif., Honolulu, Dayton, Ohio, Edwards AFB, Calif., and Kitty Hawk, N.C.

"With the downsizing of the U.S. military and the end of the Cold War, it is important to let the American public know the ongoing role of the Air Force," Tripp said.

The AFA has 170,000 members in 300 chapters nationwide.