Tue, Dec 13, 2016
Base Officials Cite 'High Operational Tempo'
The 2017 Defenders of Freedom Open House and Air Show at Offutt AFB in Nebraska has been cancelled for the third time in five years.
The airshow, scheduled for July 1-2, was cancelled due to the wing’s high operational tempo, according to a news release from the base.
“55th Wing Airmen are providing world-class intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance globally 24/7/365,” Col. Marty Reynolds, 55th Wing commander, said. “We love hosting the Defenders of Freedom Open House and Air Show, but we are unable to provide a world-class event due to our high operational tempo.
“The demand for Fightin’ Fifty-Fifth capabilities is only increasing and it is my number one priority to find ways to take care of the Airmen I am honored to lead,” Reynolds said. “One way to do that is give back some time to our Airman and their families.”
The Offutt air show and open house was held annually from 1972-2012 until it was cancelled in 2013 due to a continuing resolution and sequestration. Offutt did not request an air show for 2015 due to scheduled airfield improvements throughout the summer.
No dates for future Defenders of Freedom shows have been set at this time.
According to the Oklahoma World-Herald newspaper, Bellevue Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Jim Ristow called the cancellation a "shock."
The event normally draws some 300,000 to the community and the base over its two-day run, according to the paper. Ristow said the event fills hotels and restaurants, and provides a significant amount of revenue to local businesses.
Delanie Stafford, a spokesman for the 55th Wing, told the paper that the Air Force normally spends about $250,000 to put on the show, which is supplemented by contributions from the Wings Over the Heartland charitable foundation.
The Navy's Blue Angels had been scheduled to headline the show, and the Navy had planned "Navy Week" activities in Omaha to run parallel to the Air Force event. The effect on the Navy Week plans has not been determined.
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