Community weathers storm, celebrates Ladd anniversary

By Sheryl Nix, Fort Wainwright PAOJuly 23, 2010

Airfield view
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Water, water everywhere
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Slingload operation
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FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska - Cloudy skies and torrential downpours did not keep residents of the Fairbanks and Fort Wainwright communities away from Saturday's Ladd Army Airfield 70th anniversary celebration and installation open house. Several thousand people braved the stormy weather to take part in the event that featured the historic mission of Ladd Army Airfield and the World War II-era Lend-Lease program as well as current Soldiers, equipment and civilian employees here.

Fort Wainwright's gates were open to all community members who toured static displays of Stryker vehicles, helicopters and other aircraft, played games, listened to live music, explored vintage uniforms, aircraft, weapons and other period information, as well as viewed demonstrations from the Bureau of Land Management Smokejumpers, Eielson Air Force Base's F-16s and a realistic insurgent scenario showcasing aerial and ground capabilities from Soldiers and equipment at Fort Wainwright.