As a civilian, I don't get a lot of interaction with HAFB. They are good neighbors, have cool jets that fly over, and are otherwise a-okay.
Once every other year or so they open the place up for the "Warriors Over the Wasatch," a great air show that features all kinds of stuff:
1.) The USAF Thunderbirds. Still gives me chills to see them.
2.) Air shows - several acts or flying teams doing stuff I wish I could do
3.) Static displays- planes and vehicles from every era, some you can walk through, etc.
4.) Recruiters - hang on to your teenage sons.
A couple other parts of Warriors that require a little more description:
1.) Parking - Get there EARLY and be prepared to do some walking. They are filtering 300,000 through a couple of gates. Don't get your BVD's jumbled up because chances are you are going to take a while to get a few miles. Some great alternatives are offered and you can park offsite at several of them and ride free shuttle buses right to the security lines.
2.) Speaking of security... it's tight. They are going to rummage through everything you bring and you are going to pass through a metal detector. Ensure you watch their website for a list of "can" and "cannot" bring items or you will be turned away. They aren't screwing around here.
3.) Food / drink - a lot of the air squadrons (and some other vendors) are set up selling everything from snow cones to cold beer, hamburgers to pretzels. Bring some light snacks but the food here is pretty good and reasonably priced. You are also helping out the squadrons with your purchases and your burger is probably being cooked by an airman or his family member.
4.) Seating - there is NONE. Bring some small lawn chairs or your dogs will start barking. Strap them in a wagon or stroller but bring something to sit on for the air displays. Hats, small umbrellas, or any form of artificial shade are recommended as well.
You're going to walk. A lot. You are going to get hot. You are probably going to get sunburned. You are going to be rubbing elbows with 300,000 of your closest friends. But at the end of the day you are going to see some really cool stuff and get to see what our Air Force really does. And they really know how to throw a great open house. read more