They simply belong at an Airshow – and that’s the parachutist display team. At this years NAS Oceana Airshow the Navy SEALs made their impressive debut while Kent and Les Shockley’s famous truck “Shockwave” was something not to be missed. Jet Warbirds in Europe are rather the exception, but in the USA the situation is somewhat different with generous sponsorship provided by large corporations (such as telephone giant AT&T) making it possible for one former US Navy Top Gun, Capt. Dale Snodgrass, (ret) to inspire the public with a marvellously restored North American F-86E Sabre in his breath-taking display. The official parachute display team of the U. S. Navy, the "Leap Frogs" consists of a total of 15 jumpers, all members of the famous SEAL’s (Sea, Air and Land Commandos). Usually their jump begins at barely 4000m height, not opening their parachutists (in the Navy colours of blue and gold) usually at 1500m. The Leap Frogs are famous for their exciting formation manoeuvres and the use of coloured smoke generators. The Leap Frog team drop plane was a Lockheed C-130 Hercules of the 171st Airlift Sqn of the Michigan Air National Guard

To write about the triple jet engine jet truck Shockwave would be like carrying owls to Athens, at least in our magazine as this wild machine is only too well known to our readers. Naturally, Les and Kent Shockley again inspired the young and elderly alike with their high-speed runs on NAS Oceana’s runway. However, it is not just speed that draws the public into its spell, but the wonderful special effects of this fire-spitting monster. Shockwave is simply a class of its own and we were very pleased to hear the deafening howl of its three J-65 jet engines again! While the Aero L-39 wasn’t really part of the flying program, however its owner, Warren Wood of Monterey California made his Albatross available for scenic flights. The L-39 trainer is a very desirable aircraft within the United States because of its affordability and reliability. One can buy a good condition Albatross on the private market for as little as $200,000 USD, including type rating. The L-39 was built by the Czech Company Aerovochody and was used for many years as a standard trainer by many former Warsaw Pact countries. Today the L-39 is still in service with many Air Forces worldwide.

A legend, at least in the United States is surely Dale "Snort" Snodgrass. Although no longer in active US Navy service, Dale flies various Warbirds regularly at Airshows across the country. His performance in the North American F-86 Sabre flown in the colours of the former SKYBLAZERs team was incredible, while his low level knife edge pass were particularly spectacular. Apparently airshow organisers are more than happy to have “Snort” at their shows, because there is no need for them to mow any of the lawns, since Dale has already done this during his display. Along with another 11 Warbird pilots, Dale is also certified for the USAF Heritage Flight. A welcome guest to the NAS Oceana Airshow was Bill Reesman with his colourfully painted RED BULL MiG-17F "Fresco". A veteran of 320 missions during the Viet-Nam conflict, flying a North American F-100 Super Sabre, he could probably hardly believe that one day he’d own an aircraft which was his most dangerous opponent over the skies of South East Asia. Bill also uses a large quantity of pyrotechnics and smoke generators for his performance. The MiG-17 was a formidable opponent of the time, not only because of its potent firepower of a single 37 mm and two 23mm cannon but also because of its fine agility.

Last but certainly not least was Lee Lauderback with his North American TF -51 Mustang "Crazy Horse". Apart from Dale Snodgrass, Lee Lauderback is another pilot who is certified for the USAF Heritage Flight. The TF-51 is a P -51D, built in 1944, which was converted by the manufacturer after the war to dual control configuration for training purposes. Only twelve aircraft were modified with this machine being the only survivor in this rare configuration which is owned by the Stallion 51 Corporation. Stallion 51 operates six different Mustangs and is the largest single operator of this type in the world. From the parachute display team of the U. S. Navy to a monster Jet truck and Warbirds one could see it all at the 2004 NAS Oceana Airshow. Apart from the many well-known faces and attractions one could also admire the many new participants in attendance. Criticism? Well, there is usually always something to complain about, but at this show everything was perfect! For this reason NAS OCEANA AIRSHOW 2004 has been voted: BEST OVERSEAS AIRSHOW 2004.

Robert Kysela, managing editor