British airshow showcases 60 years of American service in Europe

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ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  British airshow showcases 60 years of American service in Europe

The Imperial War Museum Duxford will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the American Air Museum with an American Air Day at Duxford July 28 at 10 a.m.

The American Air Day will pay tribute to 60 years of service and operations in Europe for the Air Force by showcasing local Airmen and aircraft.

The 56th Rescue Squadron will have a static display available while the 493rd and 494th Fighter Squadrons will perform flyover along with 492nd personnel.

"The American Air Day at Duxford is a great day out for all the family with lots of excitement and plenty to see on the ground and in the air," said Maj. John Haynes, 3rd Air Force Public Affairs.

The event will feature dog team displays from the K-9 unit, fire trucks, the combat medical team field display, American-style trade stands, the United States Air Forces in Europe rock band and pilots as well as ground crew to meet.

In addition to ground displays, there will be some of the very latest combat aircraft, boasting state of the art equipment and firepower, from jets and helicopters to troop and supply carriers, according to a 3rd Air Force press release. Alongside these aircraft will be their predecessors, the B-17 Flying Fortress Sally B and the P-51 Mustang, both aircraft from the Second World War, on display on the ground and taking to the air.

"We're delighted to be working with our colleagues in the United States Air Force to put on an event here at Duxford to celebrate such a momentous occasion in our joint histories," said Richard Ashton, Duxford Imperial War Museum director. "The American Air Museum houses the finest collection of historic American combat aircraft outside the United States and, using the aircraft, other exhibits and supporting exhibitions, tells the story of American air power and its effect on 20th century history."

That relationship began during the First World War when five American Aero Squadrons were stationed at Duxford from March 1918 until the Armistice. It was cemented with the opening of the American Air Museum in Britain by Her Majesty the Queen in August 1997.

Duxford is located just south of Cambridge at junction 10 off the M11. Free parking is available. Admission for this event is £19.95 for Adults and free to children under 16 years old. For more information visit www.flyduxford.org.