Out of This World

Video by Capt. Jessica Gross

301st Fighter Wing Opens Bell Fort Worth Alliance Air Show

301st Fighter Wing

Oct. 23, 2021 | 1:28

Pilots from to the 457th Fighter Squadron (the "Spads") and 24th Fighter Squadron (the "Leaping Tigers"), 301st Fighter Wing, Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base, Texas, led a four F-16C Fighting Falcon formation flyover during the Opening Ceremony of the Bell Fort Worth Alliance Air Show, Oct. 23.

Flyovers have their origin in World War I. The first combat aviators passed over battlefields after an engagement to let those on the ground count planes to learn if their mission was successful or if friendly aviators were lost. During some of these flyovers, a wreath was dropped on the site where a fellow Airman went down.

On Sept. 5, 1918, 60 U.S. Army biplanes soared over game one of the World Series which marked the first military flyover in world history.

The air show hosted over 120,000 attendees this year with a "park and play" concept, where spectators witnessed the aerial performers from their vehicles and listened to the narration through radio. (U.S. Air Force video by Staff Sgt. Nije Hightower)