12 Photos
Taking the wheel at the 106th Rescue Wing family day at the Air National Guard base at Francis S. Gabreski Airport in Westhampton. KITTY MERRILL
Kids got the check out and climb on military equipment at the 106th Rescue Wing's family day. KITTY MERRILL
Demonstrating special night gear at family day, hosted by the 106th Rescue Wing at Franscis S. Gabreski Airport in Westhampton. KITTY MERRILL
Touring the cockpit of the HC-130J Combat King. KITTY MERRILL
Taking control in the cockpit of the HC-130J Combat King during the 106th Rescue Wing family day at Gabreski Airport. KITTY MERRILL
Inside the Combat King. Tours and demostrations of equipment and aircraft were offered during the 'military block party' hosted by the 106th Rescue Wing in Westhampton. KITTY MERRILL
Inside the Combat King's recovery platform during family day. KITTY MERRILL
Airman and Family Readiness Coordinator Lisa D'Agostino with Wing Commander A.J. Wineberg. D'Agostino organized the September 10 family day event, which boasted close to 2,000 visitors an array of vendors, food, games, demonstrations, and tours at the 106th Rescue Wing based at Francis S. Gabreski Airport in Westhampton. KITTY MERRILL
Youth from the Westhampton Beach Civil Air Patrol helped out at family day. KITTY MERRILL
Visitors got an inside look at the HB-130J Combat King. KITTY MERRILL
Manning the mac & cheese in the Justin's Chop House kiosk at family day. KITTY MERRILL
Major MIchael O'Hagan and local VFW Commander William Hughes, a one time pararescueman. KITTY MERRILL
The 106th Rescue Wing held a family day for its 1,100 members at the Air National Guard base at Gabreski Airport in Westhampton on September 10.
Over 2,000 visitors and airmen spent a sunny day engaged in learning about the base and its myriad activities and missions. There were demonstrations and displays of equipment, a tour of the HC-130J Combat King aircraft, plus kiosks from an array of community organizations as well as representatives on hand to discuss services available to airmen and their families.
Spouses had the chance to go up into one of the guardsmen’s Pave Hawk helicopters to get a feel of what their loved ones experience in flight. In addition to getting a chance to clamber aboard a Zodiak rescue boat used by the special operations teams, kids could climb onto a tactical all terrain vehicle, see gear designed for night ops and, of course, enjoy bounce houses and cotton candy.
Tasty food and lively music rounded out the day. Lisa D’Agostino, the airmen and family readiness program coordinator, organized the event, which included assistance from youthful members of the Westhampton-based civil air patrol cadet squadron.
