Little Rock Air Force Base will hold a scaled-down open house Saturday, Sept. 17 called Arkansas Military Expo that will include military units from around the state.
The base canceled its air show two years ago because of federal budget cuts. This year, its runway is undergoing a major renovation and expansion so the event will not include an air show with acts like the Thunderbirds or the Blue Angels.
Instead, the expo will feature several aircraft displays including C-130s. “While there will be no personnel drops due to construction, various airdropping capabilities will be highlighted.”
“There will be equipment on display from the Air National Guard and Army National Guard, including a drone from Fort Smith, artillery equipment, military vehicles such as Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles (MRAPs) and High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWV/ Blackhawk helicopter with fast rope teams from Camp Robinson,” according to an announcement from LRAFB.The expo is free and will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a variety of booths and events, including many for families. Parking will be free.
Maj. Julie Honeycutt, the event’s organizer and assistant director of operations for the base’s 41st Airlift Squadron, said, “Military members throughout Arkansas are supported by their local communities and this event is an excellent opportunity to show the community what their neighbors do each and every day.”
There will be a Kids Zone in one of the hangars with a bouncy house, face painting and other activities.
There will also be food vendors.
For updates on the event, visit the 2016 Arkansas Military Expo Facebook page and website.
