[MilCom] Initial Rhode Island Air Show Report

[Ken]

Website:  http://www.riguard.com/AIRSHOW/Default.html
Rhode Island Air National Guard Base, Quonset State Airport, North 
Kingstown, RI
Attended Saturday 6/18/05.

Military Performers
Snowbirds
Blue Angels
Black Daggers
Red Devils
Heritage Flight
F15 Demo
F16 Demo
F18 Demo
C130 Cargo Parachute Drop

Civilian Performers:
Sean Tucker
Mike Mancuso
Reese Dill/Hank Morett
Mike Goulian
Shock Wave Jet Truck
Frank Ryder
Ed Hamill.

Major Aero Freqs Utilized:
Ground Control:  134.5/275.8
Tower (Show Boss):  126.35/252.90
C130 Demo/Drop Safety Officer:  383.3
Civilian Air Performers:  123.15 (also some limited chatter on 123.45)
Snowbirds:  272.10 (all aircraft)
Blue Angels:  275.35 (Solos), 237.8 (Show Center), 284.25 (formation 4, 
ship, etc.), 305.5 (Fat Albert)

I did not find any frequencies specifically active for either the Red Devils 
or Black Daggers (as listed in "Monitoring Times" magazine.

Major Support Freqs In Use (all NFM mode):
 Blue Angels Maintenane Support139.8125
Comm Cart, Tower, BA Show Safety:  142.6125
Fire/Crash:  149.475
Security:  141.8 Repeater (CTCSS enabled)
Show Control:  148.225
USCG Support:  157.05, 157.10

Interestingly we also got some hits on 397.175 (NFM) ISR #3, but couldn't 
determine who was using -- My theory is it was Civil Air Patrol.

Bascially it was cloudy/overcast most of the day BUT the overcast gave way 
just prior to the Blue Angels performance.  The Snowbirds (9 aircraft 
Tudors, each with a number on it's tail, 1 through 9)   put on a very 
graceful, outstanding performance (hopefully the Canadian government will 
fund them next year with replacement aircraft).  All of the military demos & 
civilian performers were terrific!!!  The Blue Angels (6FA 18's, with their 
number on the tail 1 through 6) put on a low show (but almost high) show 
which "rocked" the entire base.

I spent most of my day in a chair next to the "wagon guys" radio setups. 
I'd like to publically thank ("The Wagon Guys") both Brian from CT & Dan 
from PA for their willingness to share frequencies & also display our hobby 
in the most positive way.    There were about 20 monitoring hobbyists in 
attendance, with perhaps 50+ other curious folks who stopped by to see the 
"wagon guys" setups.  Interestingly the new RS Pro 97 "signal stalking" 
capability for UHF & VHF aero freqs as demonstrated by three hobbyists was 
just awesome!!!  This new piece of equipment adds another  whole new 
dimension to at the air show "on scene" scanning.  Additionally I tried my 
hand again at "amateur" digital photography, taking about 138 pictures --  
surprisingly some action shots came out pretty good....

Some Static Displays (that I took some pictures of before I sat down)
A10, 104 FW, MA 626
C5, 439 AW Westover, 9013
C23, RI ARNG, 40308
CH 124A "Sea King", RCAF 12441
CH 146 "Giffon", RCAF, 448
CF18, RCAF 188739
E2C, 165507 (AC5507), USS Harry Truman aircraft
F15, 102FW, Otis ANGB, MA 77109
F16, VT ANG, 84285 (MAPLE 44 callsign, per crew which is their cross country 
call sign "MAPLE")
F/A 18, USMC, VFMA 115, 163156, tail code AC 204
T37, CB 68036
T38, RA 68124
F/A 18, USN, VFA 106, tail code AD 203

There was a Fed-X aircraft, & also I believe 2 Coast Guard Helos, & a UH 1 
that I didn't get pictures of.  Additionally the Quonset Air Museum has an 
number of aircraft on display.

FRS Radio was minimally utilized this year, since basically hobbyists met at 
the "wagon guys" radio setups (remember they have  small radio towers with 
antennas and flags on it so it isn't difficult to find!!!) on the showline. 
I think that everyone attending this open house/air show had a great time & 
the added benefit was being able to see two major military aerobatic teams 
this year.

I'd encourage others that attend this show to post their report...

Ken