Air Force Week in Southern California

Spectacular events, free to the public throughout Southern California for individuals and families,highlight the region's first Air Force Week, Nov. 14-21. Activities showcase the U.S. Air Force's impressive capabilities and recognize the contributions and importance of service members and the communities supporting them.

U.S. Air Force airmen from local Air Force bases will participate indemonstrations, flyovers, film festivals, concerts, educational activities and unique expositions.

Events include Air Force Week Opening Ceremonies Nov. 14 at 10:30 a.m. at Hollywood and Highland Center with flyovers of military aircraft rarely seen by the public; a proclamation ceremony including government, military andcommunity dignitaries; and presentation to the Air Force of an honorary replica of the Hollywood Walk of Fame star, celebrating 44 Air Force veterans with their own Walk of Fame stars.

An Air Force Exposition Nov. 14-16 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Hollywood and Highland Center features aircraft and interactive flight simulators such asthe F-22 Raptor cockpit demonstrator -- an exact replica of the F-22's cockpit; air, space and cyberspace technology; aircraft models and satellite photos; 30-ft long rocket; a pararescue, rifle drill team and martial arts demonstrations; famous costumes from Hollywood Air Force films; Air Force rockand Dixieland bands; and more.

Free film festivals of legendary movies include discussions with Air Force heroes, actors, directors and/or technical staff from the movie. Films include"Air Force One," Nov. 11 at the Ronald Reagan Library, Simi Valley, with toursof real Air Force One aircraft; "Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country," Nov.14 at The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Leonard Goldenson Theater,North Hollywood, Calif. with director Nicholas Meyer; "Fighter Pilot:Operation Red Flag," Nov. 16 at Regal Entertainment Canyon Country Theater,Santa Clarita, with a fighter pilot; "Apollo 13," Nov. 16 at the Art Center College of Design Ahmanson Auditorium, Pasadena, with an astronaut and LunarRover display; and "Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo," Nov. 16 at the Academy ofMotion Picture Arts and Sciences Linwood Dunn Theater, Hollywood, honoring World War II surviving Doolittle Raiders and author Joann Doolittle,granddaughter of General Jimmy Doolittle. Film festivals are free, but onlinereservations are r equired at http://www.airforceweek.com .

Air Force Week activities also include Wings Over Long Beach, Nov. 15-16at Long Beach Airport from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with aircraft displays andexhibitions (free parking, $5 admission). The Air Force Band of the GoldenWest free concert is set for historic Warner Grand Theater, San Pedro, Nov. 16at 3 p.m.

"California is instrumental to air and space enterprises as indicated byan air and space economic impact in excess of $125 billion," says General C.Robert Kehler, commander, Air Force Space Command. "California has a longlegacy of air and space 'firsts,' including Capt. 'Chuck" Yeager breaking the sound barrier in 1947, and building the first U.S. space station, Skylab I,and the first geosynchronous communication and meteorological satellites.California continues to lead the nation in technology and is a world leader in the development of future air and space capabilities. The Air Force has reaped tremendous benefits from California's air and space innovations which help us daily to fly, fight and win in air, space and cyberspace."

Southern California Air Force bases participating in Air Force Week include Los Angeles AFB, Vandenberg AFB, Edwards AFB, March Air Reserve Base and Channel Islands Air National Guard Station.

For Air Force Week information or online film festival reservations, visit http://www.airforceweek.com/ .