Event Overview

What are the dates and times for Gunfighter Skies 2018?
The dates are Saturday, June 2nd through Sunday, June 3rd. Gates Open at 8:30 AM and the Event Starts at 10:30 AM. You can find the complete list of events at http://www.mountainhome.af.mil/ or by downloading a free Gunfighter Skies app at Apple Store or Google Play Store. 

Why are you calling it Gunfighter Skies?
The 366th Fighter Wing received the nickname “Gunfighters” in 1967, while the 366th Tactical Fighter Wing was stationed at Da Nang Air Base, Vietnam. Pilots were missing opportunities to shoot down enemy MiGs because the missiles were ineffective at short ranges and the F-4C lacked a gun. However, innovative Wing aircrew and maintainers worked together mounted external 20-millimeter Gatling gun pods on the wings of the F-4Cs and developed new tactics, enabling pilots to score 4 MiG kills within the first month of operation. Soon other units followed suit. The gun pod innovation and the MiG kills that followed earned the Wing a Presidential Unit Citation for shooting down 11 enemy aircraft in a three-month period, and the moniker of "Gunfighters" was born.   

During this open house and air show we will show you why the United States Air Force is the greatest air force in the world as we dominate the skies with incredible aerobatic displays and demos. 

All open house and air shows at Mountain Home Air Force Base are called “Gunfighter Skies.” The theme changes from year to year. This year the theme is “United in Excellence … Forging the Future.” 

Why not just call the event an air show, instead of an open house and air show?
We want to highlight that this is an opportunity to see what goes on at Mountain Home Air Force Base. There will be a great flying show, but we will have a wide variety of static displays and will highlight the variety of missions the base performs beyond just flying. 

Is the schedule the same for both Saturday and Sunday?
Yes. Both days are generally designed to be the same, but all performances are subject to change without notice.

2.

Inclement Weather

In case of inclement weather, will the show go on? Will the weather change anything or hamper the show?
Gunfighter Skies is scheduled to go on regardless of the weather. If there is severe weather during the show, you will be notified to move to the Kid’s Zone (in Hangar 211) or seek shelter by returning to your vehicle. Further directions will be provided by Security Forces; please follow all instructions immediately. 

3.

Motorcycles

Will riders be required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), such as helmets, on base during the event?
Yes. In order to drive on base, all motorcyclists will be required to wear PPE. Since we do not want to turn anyone away at the gate, the following must be worn if riding a motorcycle on base.

• A helmet certified to meet current Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 218;
• Eye protection that meets or exceeds ANSI Z87.1
• Protective clothing to include:
  • long-sleeved shirt or jacket;
  • long trousers;
  • full-fingered gloves or mittens (must be made from leather or other abrasion-resistant material);
• “Sturdy over-the-ankle footwear” that provides protection for the feet and ankles.

4.

Emergency Information

What do I do in case of a medical emergency while I am attending the event?
Medical personnel wearing Red Cross armbands will be moving among the crowd to offer medical assistance. A medical tent will also be located near show center. In the event of a medical emergency, please seek assistance from these medics.

5.

Lost Child/Parent

What if I am separated from my child?
There will be a lost child/parent area In the Kids’ Zone (located in Hangar 211). Our trained volunteers will provide a safe and secure place with cool shade, water and games for your child while he/she waits to be reunited with you.

Contact any uniformed volunteer or staff member for directions to the lost child/parent area and listen for announcements over the loud speakers.

6.

Security Incident

What should I do if there is a security incident during the show?
All necessary precautions are being taken to ensure the safety of the public, performers and equipment. If there is a security incident, please immediately follow Security Forces instructions as they direct you to a safe area.

7. Airfield Incident 

What should I do if there is an incident on the airfield?
Safety is our number one priority for Gunfighter Skies 2014. If there is an incident on the airfield during the show, please follow Security Forces directions and give way to emergency responders. Please do not go toward the runway.

8. ATMS/Vendors

Are there going to be any ATMs at the event?
Yes; however, it would be best to bring cash to the event in order to limit standing in ATM lines. 

Will food, beverages and souvenirs be sold at the event?
Yes. There will be many different vendors selling a variety of foods, drinks and beverages. There will be a water station located near the center of the show with free water available to everyone attending the event.

9. Smoking 

Will smoking be allowed?
For safety reasons, smoking will only be allowed in designated areas and away from the flight line.

10. Pets

Are pets allowed at the event?
Aside from service animals, pets are not allowed at the event. Please leave your pets at home.

11. Kids Zone

Will there be events for kids?
Yes. This is a family friendly event. A Kids Zone will be available in Hangar 211 with five inflatables for the cost of $5 all day. Plus, the many military aircraft which will be available to walk through and view are sure to keep them entertained.

12. Cell Phone Charging

Will there be a place to charge my cell phone?
Yes. We know many of you have downloaded the free app and will be using your cell phones to access information about the air show, as well as will be taking lots of pictures. We will have charging stations available so cell phone batteries can get a needed boost.

13. Media 

Will there be a process for credentialing media so they can bring additional equipment into the show?
Yes. Those working for media outlets (TV & Radio stations, newspapers, magazines, websites) should contact the 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs at 208-828-6800.

14. Security/Restricted Items 

More Information To Come, Check back.

15. Getting Here and Parking 

How do I get onto the base for the event?
General parking to include motorcycles and RVs can enter via any gate. Once you have entered the base you will be directed by staff members where to go. Please do not deviate from the staff member’s directions since their instructions will be critical to quickly and efficiently parking the vehicles of several thousand spectators. On this note, we encourage everyone planning to attend Gunfighter Skies 2014 to carpool to help alleviate parking congestion.

 General parking is located on the northeast side of the installation. RVs and motorcycles will be parked adjacent to the general parking (Fire Training Area). 

Personnel requiring special needs and/or disabled parking should enter via Grand View Gate, turn right on 14th Avenue, and park adjacent to Building 1363. 

Will there be handicapped/disabled accommodations?
Yes.  Disabled parking is available. Personnel requiring special needs and/or disabled parking should enter via the Grand View Gate, turn right on 14th Avenue, and park adjacent to Building 1363. 

We ask that individuals bring their own wheelchairs and items needed for assistance.

 Will RVs be permitted on Mountain Home AFB? Where will they be allowed to park?
Yes, but no overnight parking is allowed (unless they are authorized to use the on base fam camp).  

General parking to include RVs can enter via any gate. Once you have entered the base you will be directed by staff members where to go. General parking is located on the northeast side of the installation. RVs will be parked adjacent to the general parking (Fire Training Area). 

Is there motorcycle parking?
Yes. Motorcycle parking is adjacent to the General Parking Area (on a hard surface next to the Fire Training Area).  Personnel operating a motorcycle must have a helmet, eye protection, long sleeved shirt/jacket, full fingered gloves, long pants, sturdy over-the ankle footwear. 

General parking to include motorcycles can enter via any gate. Once you have entered the base you will be directed by staff members where to go. General parking is located on the northeast side of the installation. Motorcycles will be parked adjacent to the general parking (Fire Training Area). 

Will there be water and restrooms outside the event area in the parking lots?
No, water and restrooms will only be provided within the event area on the flight line. Due to potential traffic congestion and warm weather, it is strongly recommended to bring extra water and plan accordingly for delays.

Will bicycles be allowed on base to get to the event, but not to be used within the restricted areas? If so, where will the bike racks be located?
Bicycles can be used outside of the event in accordance with normal base procedures, but will not be allowed into the show area.  Bicycles are not allowed in any parking areas (e.g., personnel can't ride their bicycle from the parking area to the entry point). Bike racks will not be provided to secure these items. 

For people living on base, will there be any gates that are restricted? How can I get on and off base if I’m not attending the open house and air show?
Base access will be open to all personnel, and base exits will not be restricted. Personnel residing on base will be allowed to get to and from housing areas, but must have an ID to be allowed to deviate from traffic routes.   

If I live on base, will there be transportation to the open house and air show?
Yes.  A shuttle will run through base housing. Please see map located on the website for the designated routes.

Please contact the 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs office at (208) 828-6800 or Silver Wings of Idaho at (208) 587-2173 with any questions or for more information. Click Here For PDF Version