Captain’s Column

It was a great weekend!

I hope you enjoyed the Wings Over South Texas Air Show as much as I did. There was great weather both days, which explains the sunburn, and amazing acts, static displays, and exhibits – a little something for everyone.

I want to thank my entire staff, who worked tirelessly for months to pull the air show together. A tremendous amount of the show’s success is a result of the planning and preparation. A couple of examples include my Air Show Director Lt. Rick Hecke – who worked various coordination and execution issues right up to, and some even during, the flight acts.

Lt. Don Copping, Chief Mauldin and the entire Security department ensured the safe and efficient flow of traffic both onto and off the installation, and the general security during the show, ensuring a safe large gathering environment.

Finally, the MWR team for the vendors, concessions and set up of the spectator area. Just about the entire staff was involved in some form of fashion and we couldn’t have pulled it off without them.

Events of this size require a level of team work that exceeds the command and even the installation itself. I am very appreciative of the Corpus Christi Army Depot for flexing their production requirements to enable us to hold the show on the sea wall. I think all would agree there wasn’t a bad seat in the house, and aircraft performing over the water allowed for incredible views.

I also would like to thank the local law enforcement agencies in assisting us with traffic control on and off the base. With their assistance, we were able to get visitors on and off efficiently and quickly. And of course a huge shout-out to the Flour Bluff Color Guard on both days.

We are fortunate to have this opportunity to open the gates to the local community and visitors from throughout the United States. It is one way we can show you our appreciation for your continuous support in all we do.

Like any good Navy event, we made sure to capture some lessons we learned along the way and will look to incorporate them into the planning and execution of the next show.

We look forward to seeing you again in 2021. In the meantime, see you around the base.