Advance planning makes air show a breeze

Published March 25, 2009
By Susan Griggs
81st Training Wing Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, BILOXI, MISS. -- Come prepared for the time of your life at Thunder on the Bay April 4-5 -- but leave your ice chests, pets, pocket knives and roller skates at home, and don't forget your ear plugs, sunscreen and comfortable shoes.

Base officials are trying to ensure that Keesler's first air show in four years is a safe and enjoyable time for spectators, but certain rules are in place to maintain security and order.

This week's Keesler News provides a four-page air show insert to guide your weekend plans, and information is updated daily at the base's Web site, http://www.keesler.af.mil, and the air show Web site, http://www.keesler. shultzairshows.com.

On Page A4 of the insert, there's a listing of approved and prohibited items for air show visitors.

Even with all of the excitement and entertainment, this is still a military installation," Maj. Miki Gilloon, public affairs coordinator for the event, pointed out. "We want spectators to have a wonderful time, and we're doing all we can to ensure their safety."

"To maintain security, all bags will be inspected as spectators enter through airfield security points, and all individuals are subject to search," said Justin Cooper, Keesler's air show director.

Only people with Department of Defense identification cards can drive onto the base through the White Avenue Gate and the Pass Road Gate. Pedestrian traffic isn't allowed at these gates, but walkers can access the base through the Oak Park Gate behind Keesler Medical Center and the Meadows Drive Gate off Forrest Avenue.

Residents of Thrower Park, West Falcon Park and Bay Ridge housing areas are encouraged to ride buses labeled "base housing shuttle" that will run regularly both days.

Handicapped visitors with official state license plates or placards are allowed to park on base by entering the Judge Sekul Avenue Gate, where uniformed personnel will guide them to q special parking areas in front of Bryan Hall.

For people without regular base access, there's free designated parking near the Oak Park Gate and the Meadows Drive Gate. Visitors are directed by uniformed personnel and local law enforcement officials. Continuous shuttle buses run back and forth from the parking locations to the air show site.

Biloxi's Back Bay will close intermittently to civilian and maritime traffic, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. April 2-5, according to Federal Aviation Administration regulations during practice times and air show performances.

Those regulations also close Ploesti Drive from the child development center to the north entrance of Bay Ridge, as well as the marina and Bay Breeze Golf Course, during the same hours.

"Base personnel aren't permitted to watch practices or the air show from Bay Breeze or the marina during the show box closure times," Major Gilloon stressed.