RANCHO CORDOVA-
The 2014 California Capital Airshow kicked off Saturday morning. Thousands of spectators flooded Mather Airport to see the aerial spectacle.
Last year’s show did not feature any military jet teams or single ship demonstrations because of the Government Sequestration.
This year, some of those constraints were lifted, so the show welcomed some rare military aircraft.
“They brought back 5 different demonstration teams, and we’re lucky to have two of them at the California Capital Air show,” Dennis Dunbar of the California Capital Airshow said.
The Harrier Jet made a return to Mather Airport for the first time since 2009. The F-22 Raptor, known as the world’s most cutting edge stealth fighter jet graced the Rancho Cordova airspace for the first time since 2010.
Spectators also saw an increased military presence on the ground. The United States Army featured an interactive video game inside of their semi-truck, where participants tested out their shooting skills with an M-4 simulator.
“We’re connecting the American people with America’s army… their army,” Sgt. First Class Desmond Jones said. “So we come out and assist recruiters, but our biggest thing is to let people see that there is another side to the army. We’re just out here, trying to touch as many people as we can.”
The Air Force Reserve, National Guard, and Air Guard also had impressive booths. But the largest crowd pleaser was the F-22 display at the Air Force booth. Thousands of people took photos with the jet.
“I owe air shows my career,” F-22 Raptor Maintenance Superintendent, Master Sgt. Jason Kraemer said. “It is what inspired me to not just get into the military, but aviation as a whole. If we can inspire one kid to be a little bit smarter when it comes to engineering, math, and actually have a dream and try to achieve it, that’s what our goal is.”
Gates at the airshow open again on Sunday at 9:00AM and close at 4:30 PM. Parking is $10 at the Airport and it is cash only. Adult General Admission is $15.
