MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. – Whirring blades and the sound of explosions drown out the cheers of thousands who came to witness the power of the Marine Air Ground Task Force demonstration on the flight line during the 2012 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show, Oct. 12 through 14.

“The demo was great,” said Jeff Pitt, a second time air show visitor and an Escondido, Calif., native. “It was a great way to see some of the fire power the Marine Corps offers as well as a great way to see what most people take for granted.”

The crowd watched as CH-53E ‘Super Stallions,’ MV-22B ‘Ospreys,’ F/A-18 ‘Hornets,’ KC-130 ‘Hercules’ and many other aircraft soared overhead performing the tasks they would during a strike against foreign enemies.

The demo displayed coordinated use of close-air support, ground, artillery and infantry forces as Capt. John Reeves, the air show narrator with the Reserve Support Unit and an Angleton, Texas native, paints the big picture of events as they unfold.

“The MAGTF demonstration featured 26 aircraft, 10 to 15 ground vehicles and the first Howitzer the air show has ever featured,” said Maj. Phil Kendro, the MAGTF demo coordinator with 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and a Reston, V.A., native. “Working the demonstration alone there were 250 Marines, who flew the aircraft, drove the vehicles, stormed the crowds and helped to maintain the aircraft during the show itself. At least 100 more Marines from 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing manned static displays.”

The simulated invasion showed viewers the level of precision Marines must maintain when performing their duties, in air or on the ground, as they apply to combat and defeating our nation’s foes.

After a photo pass to gain information on the enemy, Marines call in Harriers to clear out the ground space before the reconnaissance Marines fast rope out of two Huey helicopters. Once on the ground these Marines call in simulated naval gun fire.

Once they finish their simulated assault on the objective the Marines pulled out of the “danger zone” by two methods – ground vehicles and spy rigging, hanging from a rope by clips to be carried away from the drop zone.

After the recon Marines were safely away the second wave of assault began, as Osprey and CH-46 ‘Sea Knights’ brought in 40 Marines to rush the show center.

At the end of it all Marines who drove tanks, amphibious reconnaissance vehicles, Humvees and a MTVR seven - ton vehicle pulling in the Howitzer made their appearance to suppress the enemy for the final time.

“I liked the explosions,” said Jordan Pitt, Jeff Pitt's 8-year-old son. “I like that the Marines fight for our country.”

As a large explosion rocked Miramar’s flight line, crowds erupted into cheers when infantry Marines performed a pass and review.

With hands held out and wild cheers MCAS Miramar's guests shook hands, patted and hugged the Marines walking past them in full battle gear.

"If it wasn't for [the Marine Corps] we probably wouldn't have a lot of the freedoms we enjoy today," said Jeff Pitt. "So I really just want to say thank you and we appreciate all you do for us."

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