The Wandering Disciple

The US Air Force Heritage Flight is a flying tribute to generations of American air power. Formed on December 6, 2010, the heritage flight travels the country as a living tribute to those who have served and continue to serve. Each performance mixes modern day fighters with fighters from World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War. On this particular heritage flight at the 2020 Holiday Flying Festival in Lakeland, the heritage flight featured the P-51 Mustang, F-16 Fighting Falcon and the newest fighter the F-35 Lightning II. (Photo: December 5, 2020)

The F-16 Fighting Falcon buzzes the flight line on its take-off roll during a performance by the US Air Force F-16 Viper Demon Team at the 2020 Holiday Flying Festival at Lakeland Linder International Airport. The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a multi-role fighter built by General Dynamics and entered into service for the US Air Force in the late 70's. The aircraft is more commonly known as the viper due to its snake like appearance. In addition to active service by the US Air Force, Air Force Reserves and National Guard, the F-16 also serves as an aggressor aircraft for the US Navy. Its power is showcased as part of two Air Combat Command demo teams, performing a solo act with the F-16 Viper Demo Team and as the team aircraft of the Air Force's premier demonstration team The US Air Force Thunderbirds. (Photo: December 5, 2020)

Many decades of air superiority fly in formation over the skies of Lakeland as part of the US Air Force Heritage Flight demo. This heritage flight featured three generations of air power with the P-51 Mustang, F-16 Fighting Falcon and the F-35 Lightning II. Formed in 1997 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the US Air Force, the heritage flight travels the country and showcases current generation fighters alongside their warbird counterparts in a flying history display of the Air Forces evolution through the years. (Photo: December 5, 2020)

When Gene McNeely retired from the Aeroshell Aerobatic Team in 2017 following a 20 plus year career with the team, most thought he would fade off into the retirement life. Nope not Gene, he is still out there dazzling crowds with his amazing performances in the T-6 Texan. But unlike his time with the Aeroshells where he was performing over 30 shows a year and constantly travelling, Gene can be more selective with his shows to make more time for family and relaxation. One of the shows where Gene performed this year was the 2020 Holiday Flying Festival last weekend at Lakeland Linder International Airport. (Photo: December 5, 2020)

A member of the Black Daggers carries the unit's flag into show center of the 2020 Holiday Flying Festival and Car Show at Lakeland Linder International Airport. The Black Daggers are a volunteer unit from the US Army Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg. The team travels the country to demonstrate the precision needed to drop soldiers in behind enemy lines in the theater of combat. (Photo: December 5, 2020)

Lakeland, Florida:  After seeing the annual Sun 'n Fun Fly-in cancelled because of COVID-19, the skies over Lakeland Linder International Airport came to life with the sound of radial and jet engines as they hosted the Holiday Flying Festival and Car Show.  The show featured all things aviation from hot air balloons to the US Air Force's latest jet fighter and everything in between. The two day event kicked off on Friday with qualifying for the Central Florida Classic Short Takeoff/Landing competition which tested pilots on how little runway they can use to takeoff and land. The car show then kicked off with a parade and display of cars from all classes.  The show then went airborne with an evening show featuring the F-16 Viper Demo Team, the F-35A Lightning II Demo Team, the US Army Black Daggers and Paradigm. Once the show was over, the hot air balloons took center stage with a nighttime balloon glow. Day one of the show ended with a classic holiday movie under the sta...