KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Kirtland Air Force Base welcomed over 30,000 visitors this weekend for the return of the Kirtland Air Fiesta, highlighting the Air Force’s capabilities and deepening the bond between the military and the local community.
The Kirtland Air Fiesta featured headline performances by the U.S. Air Force F-16 Viper Demo Team, U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team, USAF F-35A Show of Force Flight and a combat search and rescue demonstration involving a full lineup from the 58th Special Operations Wing and 351st Special Warfare Training Squadron. Civilian acts and displays were also featured center stage, celebrating aviation from the second world war to modern day.
“We are incredibly honored to once again welcome our neighbors, friends and partners from across Albuquerque, the great state of New Mexico and the United States for this amazing Air Fiesta,” said Col. Michael Power, 377th Air Base Wing and installation commander. “This weekend is more than just a showcase of air power and technology, it is a celebration of you, our community. You support us year round and this is our way of saying thank you.”
The event also featured interactive ground displays, STEM exhibits and stations where guests could speak with active-duty personnel, civilians and local tech and education experts about their jobs and potential careers in the U.S. Air Force and Space Force. These exhibits demonstrate that Kirtland doesn’t just have flying a mission. With over 108 mission partners, Kirtland has grown to support missions vital to research and development, national defense and strategic deterrence.
While the Air Fiesta showcases powerful air capabilities, it is truly a heartfelt thank you to the residents of Albuquerque. Kirtland is the fifth largest installation in the Air Force supporting missions in national defense, research and development, special operations and search and rescue. Events like the Air Fiesta help to convey the full mission of Kirtland, and how the immense support from local residents is just as vital to the mission as the Airmen who serve.
“We wanted to make sure everybody in the community has the opportunity not only to see what we do here, but to experience all the different aircraft and see that we are just like the community we live in,” explained Lt. Co. Andrew Freitag, Kirtland Air Fiesta director.
This year marked the first Kirtland Air Fiesta since 2019, sparking a renewed enthusiasm for the base’s mission and national defense. Kirtland hopes to continue the tradition on a biennial basis, continuing to build upon the relationship between the base and the people it serves every day.