North Pacific Military Corps
February 18, 2011
NOW HEAR THIS
Final 2011 planning meeting for the "Future of Arlington" committee is complete and now we begin implementing our most promising ideas. We have generated new activities for both the Camp Adams area and the general Fly-In areas.
The application to the FAA for modifying the air show aerobatic flying zone (called a box) was denied for this year. Consequently, none of the Camp Adams area will be restricted. The Camp area will expand because the Light Flight flying area adjacent to the Camp’s west boundary will be modified. That allows for the Burma Road to move west 60 or more feet resulting in the Bougainville Trail, Highway One and the new Alcan Highway to lengthen leaving more vehicle and display sites.
Our theme is ARLINGTON INVASION. We anticipate more vehicles, more stand-alone displays and more warbird aircraft. VERY IMPORTANT- a WWII Boeing B-17 bomber has committed to Camp Adams. The Sentimental Journey will fly paying passengers on show days so we will see it in the air frequently as well as on the ground. During non-show hours, WWII vehicle owners will likely be able to pose their vehicle with the B-17 as a great backdrop.
Crash Williams, founding member of the regional warbird organization, has developed a plan to invite warbird aircraft from throughout the west. The Flying Heritage Collection at Paine Field, will bring one or more aircraft to this Fly-In. That organization flies a ME 109, FW 190, P-47, P-51, etc. so we might see one or more very special aircraft in the air.
We have early commitments from heavy armor and we expect the German 88 flack gun to be back with demonstrations. We have an expanded area for tank operations.
Arrangements are finalized for Fly-In participation by several Radio Control (RC) equipment hobbyists. That means Camp Adams will host RC tank battles and a variety of RC WWII aircraft will fly. Some RC groups actually conduct air battles between planes.
Several activities are confirmed to give our visitors more activities within the Camp. The airsoft gun range is confirmed. New guard towers are to be installed that allow public entry. These towers, along with a supervised visitor photo area, encourages visitors to take photographs of family and friends on guard or aboard selected historic vehicles.
Beginning in May, we will accept early registration for those persons requesting to return to their past locations. The new Alcan Highway is the primary location for our Canadian neighbors to allow for a closer community within the Camp.
New features within the Fly-In area will add wider range of sights, sounds and activities for the visitors. The competition barbeque organizations have committed to conduct demonstrations. A large reception area just within the show entry gates provides a greatly enhanced description of the several Fly-In features including Camp Adams. The public will better know where we are and how to reach us. Also, a large daily activity board will list our on-going special events such as the tank demonstrations (full size) and model tank battles. Our pass-in-review parades are scheduled for Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
At this early writing, several other great features are pending. As these become confirmed, we will pass the information along. Remember, we, the military history organizations are invading Arlington, Washington July 6-10.
Because of the time required to raise major tents and other Camp infrastructure, a work party team will be on site July 4th. We will have a barbeque in the early evening and then sit back to watch the 4th celebration fireworks that light up the night sky surrounding the airport. There is no better way to enjoy safe and sane fireworks than watching fire works go off that other people paid big money for. And, because Indian reservation unrestricted firework stands are near the airfield, you get to see rockets not available in most regional communities.