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PHOENIX: Several bus loads of Airmen from nearby Luke Air Force Base joined Arizona state officials and Air Force senior leaders at the state's capitol March 19 to kick off this year's first Air Force Week.
Air Force Week is designed to increase public awareness of the Air Force's mission, capabilities and the professionalism of its Airmen.
To start the week-long event and show support for the Air Force, Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano read a declaration officially recognizing March 19 to 25 Air Force Week in Phoenix.
“Today's proclamation by the governor showed just how valuable the contributions of the men and women of our Air Force are here, not just for the men and women of Arizona, but truly all American citizens,” said Brig. Gen. Noel T. “Tom” Jones, the commander of the 56th Fighter Wing.
The ceremony not only symbolizes support from the state of Arizona, but the United States as a whole, the general said.
Air Force musicians played for the crowd while various demonstration teams, including explosive ordnance disposal specialists, showed off the tools of their trade.
“I think you can see, by the quality of the men and women that were here from all services within our United States Air Force, the true talent and quality of our Airmen,” General Jones said. “Today's Airmen speak volumes of who we recruit, who we retain and who serves this great nation.”
The week will include community visits and talks by senior Air Force officials, flight demonstration team performances and displays providing the public with an up close and personal look at the Air Force men and women serving on the front lines. The week will conclude with an air show with 17 aerial performers and 60 static displays.
