War and a heavy workload are cited as reasons for halting the program, which attracted more than 750,000.
By BRADY DENNIS, Times Staff Writer
Published November 18, 2005
TAMPA - Saying the global war on terror and other military commitments have stretched troops too thin, officials Friday announced that MacDill Air Force Base will not host its annual air show in 2006.
"The biggest factor is just our enormous military commitment load right now," said Capt. Danny Cooper, spokesman for the Air Force's 6th Air Mobility Wing. "It was too much to ask of the troops to do this. It's a huge commitment on everyone's part."
He said base leaders had wavered over whether to hold the popular event, but Col. Maggie Woodward ultimately decided to call it off.
"It's a disappointment. It definitely was not an easy decision," Cooper said. "There's not a single person out here who's not proud to show people what we do."
Base personnel provide the bulk of manpower needed to stage the air show, which requires extra security measures as MacDill opens its gates to the public.
But with so many troops deployed to points around the globe and others swamped with work at home, including several inspections scheduled for early 2006, Cooper said the air show only would have added to the burden.
"It's what's best for our troops," Cooper said.
Cost was not an issue in the decision and stressed that it's not permanent, he said. Friday's decision marks the third cancellation of the popular event in recent years.
The event, which annually attracts more than 750,000 people over two days, also was nixed in 2002 and 2003 because of security concerns after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
The tradition of the air show stretches back decades. In the 1950s, MacDill held a one-day air show every other year as an open house for the public. It featured flying acts and aircraft displays.
It grew to become AirFest in 1987, a two-day event that drew hundreds of thousands of enthusiasts who set up lawn chairs to watch B-25 flyovers and F-16 demonstrations. The highlights were the world-famous Thunderbirds and Blue Angels, which took turns making appearances each year.
Ivan Feo, of Safety Harbor, was one of the regulars who arrived with his lawn chair each year before dawn. He has attended the annual show since moving to the area in the late 1980s.
Over the years, he has taken his son and daughter and dozens of coworkers and friends. He has called the air base and requested posters to help advertise the show weeks in advance. Now he'll have to make other plans come spring.
"Of course it's a disappointment," said Feo, himself a former member of the Air Force. "But we'll survive. It's understandable that the military has more to do than just try to entertain."
Kim Scheeler, president of Tampa's Chamber of Commerce, empathized with the military's dilemma. He said he knows many officials at MacDill who anticipate putting on the show each year and hate to see it canceled.
"It's one those things everybody loves," Scheeler said. "I know it's a disappointment. At the same time, we all understand they are in middle of fighting a war."
Cooper said the base hopes to resume the air show in 2007. He stressed how grateful MacDill employees are to have a city that embraces the base year round.
"We couldn't be thankful enough for the support we get from the community," he said. "This is one thing we're able do from time to time to give back. That makes it such a tough decision" to cancel the event.
But if and when the show does go on, Feo said he will be waiting at the gate before the sun rises.
"I'll be there, and I'll be there with same crew I've been with the last 15 years" he said.
