PACAF gearing up for Air Force Week Honolulu

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Debra Clayton
  • Pacific Air Forces Public Affairs
HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii --  The Oahu community is invited to celebrate the Air Force's 60th anniversary during Air Force Week Honolulu, Sept. 7-15, said Gen. Paul V. Hester, Pacific Air Forces commander.

"With less than 60 days to go before the actual kick-off, plans for Air Force Week Honolulu, are well underway with a host of events guaranteed to show the very best the Air Force has to offer," he said.

"We're proud to showcase our air and space operations here in the Pacific and we're especially proud of our Airmen who make our Air Force the greatest."

The general noted that some of the highlights for this first-ever island-wide celebration will include performances by the Air Force's premier entertainment showcase, Tops in Blue, Sept. 12, and the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, Sept. 15, which will headline the week of entertainment and airpower events scheduled to take place in Waikiki, here and around the island.

The theme "Heritage to Horizons," celebrates the anniversary of the Air Force, its history and the future of the world's greatest force in air, space and cyberspace.

"The chief of staff of the Air Force, Gen. T. Michael Moseley has established an opportunity for the Air Force to demonstrate its remarkable pride and professionalism of the greatest air and space force by designating Air Force Week activities at six locations across the United States," explained the PACAF commander.

"Throughout Air Force week Honolulu, you'll find uniformed Airmen telling the Air Force story in the local community, from the beaches of Waikiki, to the classrooms of our public schools. In fact, during Air Force week our Airmen's duty location will be in support of these activities."

Last year Governor Linda Lingle, State of Hawaii, signed a proclamation designating Sept 18, 2006 through Sept 18, 2007, "United States Air Force Year" in the state of Hawaii.

The Air Force has about 17,500 members to include active duty, air guard, reserves and Department of Defense personnel in Hawaii.

"This Air Force week is a Team Hickam, total-force effort, joining the active-duty, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units," said Col. "Rojo" Herrera, Air Force Week Honolulu project officer. "With the support of the Honolulu civic and business communities we will make our celebration in the Pacific an exciting, world class event. We are honored to serve our great nation and to be part of the Hawaii 'ohana.'"

The Air Force Week Honolulu will officially kick off Sept. 7, with Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann signing a proclamation.

Prior to the signing of the official proclamation "Sunset on the Beach," an event involving film, food and music in Waikiki Sept. 1, will be in honor of Air Force Week and the 60th anniversary.

Many of the events are free and open to the public. For more information and the updated schedule of events go to www.pacaf.af.mil and click on Air Force Week Honolulu.