Travis to honor 70 years of Air Force airpower

  • Published
  • By 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In honor of the Air Force’s 70th birthday, Travis Air Force Base, California is scheduled to host a week-long celebration Sept. 11-16.

Since its inception, the Air Force has consistently broken barriers as an element of the finest joint warfighting team on the planet, and its Airmen have refined its mission through innovation and teamwork. The 70th birthday week, entitled “American Airmen: Breaking Barriers Since 1947,” will honor those who have come before, celebrate 70 years of airpower and innovation and look forward to the next 70 years.

The scheduled week of events is as follows:

Monday, Sept. 11: 9/11 Remembrance Day, Children's Freedom Walk

  • What: Children’s walk with local elementary school students; playing of taps at 9/11 aircraft crash times
  • Location: Travis AFB Airman and Family Readiness Center lawn, building 660
  • Time: 9 a.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 12: Night at the Museum

  • What: Social focusing on heritage and history; Heritage Center aircraft open for display; panel of veterans throughout the decades; local beer and wine tasting
  • Location: Travis AFB Heritage Center
  • Time: 4-7 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 13: Air Force Movie Marathon

  • What: Air Force-themed movies played nonstop at various locations to showcase 70 years of airpower
  • Location: Travis AFB Theater, Travis Passenger Terminal, David Grant USAF Medical Center auditorium, Building 381 auditorium
  • Time: 12 a.m. to 12 p.m. at base theater and passenger terminal, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. at DGMC and building 381 auditoriums

Thursday, Sept. 14: POW/MIA 24-hour Vigil Run and POW/MIA Recognition Ceremony

  • What: Ceremony and vigil to honor and reflect on prisoners of war and those missing in action
  • Location: Run: Travis AFB track / Ceremony: 60th Air Mobility Wing headquarters flag pole, building 51
  • Time: Run: 1:30 p.m. Sept 14 to 1:30 p.m. Sept. 15 / Ceremony: 1:30 p.m. Sept. 14

Friday, Sept. 15: Air Force Gala

  • What: Formal event to celebrate and honor the Air Force’s birthday with hors d’oeuvres, live music, dancing and door prizes
  • Location: Travis AFB Delta Breeze Club
  • Time: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 16: Superhero Half Marathon

  • What: Running events for the whole family, including half marathon, 5K, 1-mile fun run and doggy dash
  • Location: Travis AFB Fitness Center
  • Time: 9 a.m.

Events are open to all personnel with base access. Registration is required for both the Night at the Museum and Air Force Gala and ticket purchase is required for the Air Force Gala.

Additionally, Travis will participate in the California Capital Air Show Sept. 9-10 at Mather Airport, California. Tickets for base personnel will be available for purchase at Travis AFB Outdoor Recreation and the Travis AFB Exchange Mini Mall. For more information on the air show, visit californiacapitalairshow.com.

For more information, to view AF Gala ticket prices and to register for events, visit the Travis AFB Facebook event page, “U.S. Air Force 70th Birthday Week,” at www.facebook.com/events/441476992912294/. For information on the Air Force's 70th birthday, visit static.dma.mil/usaf/70/index.html.