Latest news with #KC‑135
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Chicago Air and Water Show Schedule, lineups, timings: What to watch this year. Full list of key events
Chicago air and water show began on Saturday as spectators are being dazzled the lakefront this weekend, with thrilling performances across the skies prominently centered at North Avenue Beach. The 66th annual Chicago Air and Water Show is showcasing breathtaking views and adrenaline-pumping action from Saturday, August 16, and Sunday, August 17. There was a full rehearsal flyover slated for Friday, August 15. This free event—Chicago's largest and oldest air-and-water extravaganza—draws over a million spectators each year, making it a hallmark of summer, aviation, and civic pride. It's a thrilling blend of precision flying, patriotic tribute, historical aircraft, and public engagement—all staged against Chicago's stunning lakefront backdrop. Chicago Air and Water Show Schedule Dates: Saturday, August 16 and Sunday, August 17. Times: 10:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. each. Live Events Location: Lakefront spanning Fullerton Avenue to Oak Street, with North Avenue Beach designated as the focal viewing area. Chicago Air and Water Show Lineups U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds – Known for jaw-dropping high-G formations in their F‑16 jets. U.S. Army Parachute Team — Golden Knights – Elite skydivers delivering precision landings, often with smoke or the American flag. U.S. Air Force C‑17 Demo (15th Airlift Squadron) Illinois Air National Guard KC‑135 (126th Air Refueling Wing) Maryland Air National Guard A‑10s (104th Fighter Squadron) U.S. Coast Guard Search & Rescue Demo U.S. Marine Corps MV‑22 Osprey Demo (Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365). Chicago Police Department helicopters, Chicago Fire Department air/sea rescue teams, Marine Corps Air Station New River, Indiana Air National Guard (122nd Fighter Wing), U.S. Air Force Reserve (434th Air Refueling Wing) are participating in Chicago Air and Water Show 2025 . This year also commemorates the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army and Marine Corps, adding historic weight to the performances. FAQs Q1. When is Chicago air and water show 2025? A1. Chicago air and water show 2025 is on Saturday, August 16 and Sunday, August 17. Q2. What is the location of Chicago air and water show 2025? A2. The location of Chicago air and water show 2025 is Lakefront spanning Fullerton Avenue to Oak Street, with North Avenue Beach designated as the focal viewing area.
Mint
23-06-2025
- Business
- Mint
Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar: Key facts about the US Military hub targeted by Iran
Al Udeid Air Base, located about 20 miles southwest of Doha, Qatar, is one of the most vital US military installations in the Middle East. Recently thrust into headlines after being targeted by Iranian missile strikes, the base has long served as the centerpiece of American military operations in the region. Here are the key features of Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, one of the most important US military installations in the Middle East: Situated about 20 miles southwest of Doha on a vast desert plateau. Covers roughly 12 square miles (~50 km²) with two parallel 3,750 m (12,300 ft) runways. Built in 1996 by Qatar at a cost of over $1 billion, with an additional ~$8 billion invested since then. Sprawling infrastructure developed over two decades with ~$8 billion invested by Qatar. The largest US military base in the Middle East, housing up to 10,000 US personnel (around 8,000 as of 2022). Hosts the US Air Force's 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, the 609th Combined Air Operations Center, and CENTCOM's forward command. Also home to RAF's No. 83 Expeditionary Air Group and Qatar's own air wing. Base for the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing – the largest such unit in the US Air Force. Has hosted up to 10,000 US troops at peak wartime operations (Iraq, Afghanistan). As of recent years, about 8,000 US personnel are stationed at the base. Purpose & assets Central node for air operations across the CENTCOM area — coordinating missions in Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Afghanistan, and beyond. Capable of hosting B-52 bombers, F-15 fighters, KC‑135 tankers, RC‑135 reconnaissance planes, and more. Equipped with advanced defenses: Patriot batteries, hardened shelters, fuel storage, command centers, and rapid runway repair teams. Central hub for coordinating US airpower across the Middle East. Supports intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR) and logistics. Launch point for air strikes, drone missions, and humanitarian operations. Key for coalition coordination, especially during counter-terrorism operations. Equipped with two parallel runways, each over 12,000 feet long. Capable of hosting large aircraft including B-52 bombers, C-17 Globemasters, and aerial tankers. Advanced command-and-control systems, aircraft hangars, dormitories, and storage facilities. Jointly operated by the US and Qatari militaries. Qatar continues to invest in infrastructure and modernization at the base. Seen as a pillar of US-Qatar defense cooperation.
