That was an ok airshow, but I really overbilled it to my guests. This was my
first time in three years to attend and it seems to be substantially less than
any I recall. The Marines know how to run an airshow and the show was
professionally done through and through. What surprised me was the paucity of
aircraft, in relation to what I remember from previous shows. There were very
few warbirds and GA, in comparison. No complaints about the show - I went
Sunday and the dense fog seemed to have kept most of the crowds away. The
bleachers never filled up but the Marines and other performers gave us their
best. I thought the Bone takeoff in full burner was classic and the
now-familiar attack by the full Marine combined arms force was as fun as
always. The F-16 demo was energetic and left everyone with a sore neck. I
never did see an Osprey - either I missed it somehow or it was a no show. I
once got a fam flight in the XV-15 and I would have enjoyed a chance to compare
the two machines. I was surprised that the UAV revolution was represented by a
single Predator. The JSF analog was VERY cool.

My favorite radio station had a booth - transfixed Gameboids lined up to try to
land a toy helicopter on a small deck. My 3 year old gave up in the middle of
her turn and suddenly, I am fighting for control, knowing that if I can't get
this #@$#$%@% toy to a safe landing, I will *never* hear the end of it. Thank
god all those thousands of hours in million-dollar military simulators have
transferred to at least ONE skill I can use today.

Patty Wagstaff and the Oracle biplane would make a fine dual act - or better
yet, have the Red Baron team fly as a diamond; Patty and the Oracle a/c fly as
opposing solos. It would work, I tell you.

v/r
Gordon
====(A+C====
USN SAR Aircrew

"Got anything on your radar, SENSO?"
"Nothing but my forehead, sir."