509th Bomb Wing Says Attention Better Placed on its Bomb-Slinging Readiness Duties

Whiteman Air Force Base canceled their Wings Over Whiteman Air and Space Show which was expected to be scheduled for June 2022.

Air Force brass said the decision was made to allow their personnel to focus on their mission priorities. Putting on an airshow is an unnecessary distraction from their duties, said a statement from the 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs Office. 

"For now, Whiteman Air Force Base will focus our resources on executing nuclear operations and global strike…anytime, anywhere," said the wing at a time of tensions across the globe. The Whiteman show was a fan favorite for locals looking forward to seeing the 509th's B-2 Spirits in action. The show would have taken place on the Air Force's 75th anniversary. The last Wings Over Whiteman took place in 2019 for a crowd of more than 100,000 spectators. That show featured the Air Combat Command's F-22 Raptor, A-10C Thunderbolt II Demonstration Teams, as well as the Army's Golden Knights Parachute Team alongside Whiteman's complement of B-2 and T-38s. The show was also canceled for 2020 like many others in recent years. 

"This decision was not made lightly, as we know many of our service members, their families and our surrounding communities look forward to such an exciting event,” said Colonel. Daniel Diehl, 509th Bomb Wing commander. “We plan to devote the next few years to creating the best possible airshow experience for all participants and visitors in 2024.”

FMI: www.whiteman.af.mil