AFMC Freedom’s Call Tattoo arrives

A parachute jumper descends with Old Glory during the opening ceremonies at a past Air Force Materiel Command Freedom’s Call Tattoo. Attendees at Tattoo 2011 will see similar displays of patriotism as part of the event’s focus on “Defending Liberty…Home and Abroad.” Tattoo is scheduled for June 24 and will be held on the grounds of the National Museum of the United States Air Force. The gates open at 4:00 p.m. and the event is free and open to the public. (U.S. Air Force photo)

One week until AFMC Freedom’s Call Tattoo 2011

The grounds of the National Museum of the United States Air Force fill up with spectators during a past Air Force Materiel Command’s Freedom’s Call Tattoo. This year’s Tattoo is scheduled for June 24 and will include crowd-favorites like aircraft flyovers and fireworks. The theme of the night is “Defending Liberty…Home and Abroad,” honoring the men and women who served their country during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, as well as those who continue to serve in today’s operations. The night will also include a special tribute recognizing the 10th year since the Sept. 11 attacks. Gates to the event open at 4:00 p.m. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Mike Libecap)

Air Force Materiel Command Tattoo 2010

An F-22 Raptor streaks over the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force June 25, 2010 during Air Force Materiel Command's sixth annual Tattoo. The free event attracted more than 75,000 people from communities neighboring Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio for an evening of music, military ceremony, aircraft flyovers and fireworks. (U.S. Air Force photo/Ben Strasser)

Air Force Materiel Command Tattoo 2010

A B-52 Stratofortress performs a flyover of the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force June 25, 2010 during Air Force Materiel Command's sixth annual Tattoo. The free event attracted more than 75,000 people to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio for an evening of music, military ceremony, aircraft flyovers and fireworks. (U.S. Air Force photo/Ben Strasser)

C-21 fleet continues to dwindle

The 76th Airlift Squadron at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, lost three of its 13 C-21 aircraft in January as the Air Force retires the aircraft from the active-duty inventory. The C-21 is the military version of the Lear Jet 35A business jet and is used primarily for senior-level passengers, cargo airlift and aeromedical evacuations. Delivery of the C-21 fleet began in April 1984 and was completed in October 1985. (U.S. Air Force photo)