‘Sounds of Freedom’: Noise never sounded so good

[USMCRET6391]

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION NEW RIVER, N.C. (May 19, 2006) -- Pilots pushed their planes near their breaking limit, barreling toward the ground, twisting and turning in the sky, flying past each other with only a few feet to spare.

The pilots were not escaping enemy rounds, or practicing for an upcoming deployment. These pilots and aircraft were performing at the Marine Corps Air Station New River "Sounds of Freedom" Air Show, May 13 and 14.

An estimated 60,000 people turned out to witness the amazing aerobatics.

The Canadian Forces Snowbirds headlined the event. The Snowbirds consist of a 9-plane team, flying the CT-114 Tutor. All members of the Canadian Forces Snowbirds are serving members of the Canadian Forces.

Guests of the Station also watched Jurgis Kairys, one of the most decorated air show performers in the world. Kairys has been winning awards since 1974.

Also on display and in the air was the newly operational MV-22 "Osprey". The "Osprey" is the first tiltrotor aircraft in Marine Corps aviation. It can fly faster than a helicopter, and takeoff faster than an airplane. Those two qualities add up to quicker troop insertion, and more Marines getting in and out of the fight faster.

The Station is the only Marine Corps facility to house the "Osprey." The Station is also home to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Training Squadron-204, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron-263, and Marine Tiltrotor Test and Evaluation Squadron-22. Eventually, the "Osprey" will completely replace the CH-46E helicopter.

A Marine Air Ground Task Force demo showed the crowd how all the elements of the Marine Corps combine for a single attack.

In one example, Marines demonstrated an air assault using helicopters from the Station to show how quickly troops can enter and exit a combat zone. AH-1W “Super Cobras” and UH-1N “Hueys” provided protection while CH-46E “Sea Knights” and CH-53E “Super Stallions” transported the Marines.
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