By Joel Langton
The 830 Times
The Fiesta of Flight Open House at Laughlin Air Force Base is moving forward as planned for March 28. The decision came after several Open Houses around the country were canceled or changed in recent weeks.
Local civic and military leaders had been watching the situation closely as tensions grew overseas. Some wondered whether Laughlin’s Open House might face the same fate.
It wouldn’t have been the first time.
In March 2020, Laughlin’s Open House was canceled just two days before aircraft were scheduled to take to the sky because of COVID-19 concerns. Performers were already arriving, and several members of the United States Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration team had already reached Laughlin when the decision was made that the show would not go on.
This time, however, Laughlin officials received word Monday to move forward with the Open House.
“We are really excited,” said a relieved Capt. Christine Del Aguila, 47th Flying Training Wing public affairs officer. “We have put a lot of energy into preparing for this event and looking forward to showing off the Air Force and wing mission to the community.”
The March 28 event will bring aerial demonstrations, historic aircraft and family activities to Del Rio, giving the public a rare chance to see military aviation up close while also highlighting Laughlin’s pilot training mission.
Among the highlights will be the Air Combat Command F-35 Lightning II Demonstration Team and the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Wings of Blue parachute team.
The show will also spotlight Laughlin’s training mission with demonstrations by the base’s T-6 Texan II and T-38 Talon aircraft.
Historic warbirds are also scheduled to appear, including the A-26 “Night Invader,” the C-47 Skytrain “That’s All, Brother,” and a P-51 Mustang heritage flight.
Visitors will also be able to view numerous aircraft on the ramp during static displays and visit vendor booths and exhibits set up throughout the base.
For more information, visit the Fiesta of Flight web page and Facebook page.
