TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Music amplifies the energy of a crowd, bringing an air show to life. It is an essential component to creating an inviting and upbeat environment for guests attending the air show.
This is where the radio frequency transmission systems technicians from the 325th Communications Squadron come into play. The team recently performed an operational test of their public address system for the 2017 Gulf Coast Salute Air Show and Open House.
This test was the first of two audio equipment assessments that need to be performed prior to the event slated for April 22 and 23.
“The main purpose of this was to work out any complications and ensure the equipment is serviceable,” said Richard Venable, 325th CS electronics technician.
There are a lot of people working behind the scenes in order to help put this event together.
In total 54 speakers, along with 250-foot cables, will be placed along the Tyndall flightline covering the length of approximately 12 football fields.
“The toughest part is putting the speakers up and getting the cables out there,” Venable said.
To ensure the sustainment of the audio infrastructure, the 325th CS technicians will invest more than 600 hours of manpower for the project.
The 325th CS takes pride in the work they accomplish, and that showed during the 2015 Gulf Coast Salute. Venable found it rewarding to see so many people attending that air show and listening to the audio they helped produce.
On the day of the air show, the crew of 16 Airmen will arrive early to the flightline and set up all the equipment necessary and perform their final checks.
“I’m happy to say that any problems that would have been there during the air show, have been resolved,” Venable said. “We have never failed to get our equipment online before the gates open, and we hope to maintain it that way.”
The 2017 Gulf Coast Salute Air Show and Open House will be held on April 22 and 23. Visit www.gulfcoastsalute.com and www.facebook.com/325FWTyndall to learn more.