Bristowans Travel to Observe Tora Tora Tora Air Show Practice

Air shows draw flight enthusiasts, the adventurous, and thrill seekers of all ages with their exciting and daring aerial feats. So when Muskogee-Davis Regional Airport recently announced it was hosting the Tora Tora Tora Air Show practice, Oklahomans took notice with many, including some Bristowans, traveling to the field to observe the group in action.

Tora Tora Tora proves a special group, boasting around a dozen pilots and their own pyrotechnics team in conjunction with their record-winning shows. Through their own aerial illustrations, they describe their show as “a living history lesson”, retelling the world-changing events of December 7, 1941, with the bombing of Pearl Harbor.

Pilots fly several warbirds throughout their presentation. Planes include the Mitsubishi A6M “Zero”, Nakajima B5N “Kate”, Aichi D3A “Val”, Curtiss P-36 “Hawk”, and Curtiss P-40 “Warhawk”.

Pilots and other members of the group made themselves available to interested bystanders, answering questions and posing for quick photos with young and old alike next to their aircraft. Tora Tora Tora Pilot Chris Walker, expressed gratitude for the children’s interest after briefly describing and explaining how the planes worked for them. He also allowed adults to inspect the exterior of the plane and take photographs while showcasing some interesting aspects.

A few Bristow area families traveled to Muskogee for the Tora Tora Tora Air Show practice at Muskogee Davis-Regional Airport, from March 14 thru March 17, to observe the talented group rehearse for upcoming shows. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, the group practiced to perfect timing of their aerial maneuvers.

Spectators of all ages eagerly awaited the sight of the planes roaring overhead. One veteran shared stories of his time in the U.S. Army and subsequently in the U.S. Navy as those nearby thanked him for his service. He recalled his own memories of the Pearl Harbor bombing in Hawaii, where he lived at the time as a child aged 7, offering praise to the Tora Tora Tora Air Show team for their work in keeping the importance of history alive for younger generations.

Children excitedly bobbed up and down, announcing the planes’ every movements. Amateur and professional photographers snapped photos and videos. Flight and history enthusiasts patiently awaited their chance to see the planes up close. Everyone in attendance expressed delighted appreciation for the team’s skills.

One youngster at the wise age of 6 years, B.N., chattered about the future day he would be a pilot himself. He spewed the names of a few planes, noting they were not flying that day. He shouted to his parents,“Wow! See, mom? It’s not loud enough to hurt my hearing! It’s going to be amazing!” He was not wholly wrong as the planes and their pilots’ skills were amazing to behold, but he was comically wrong about the planes: they were quite loud. At one point, he covered his ears before noticing his onlooking mother pointing at him.They all laughed.

All who traveled for the experience expressed gratitude to and admiration for the Tora Tora Tora team and Muskogee Davis-Regional Airport for the unique opportunity. Most importantly, the team’s practice renewed historical lessons, granting attendees newfound respect for veterans, sacrifice, and the resultant freedom they have provided our nation.

Prior to departing for home, local families openly pondered smaller opportunities Bristow’s own airport might offer in the future. Could it host a small drone show? Model airplane exhibitions? Hot air balloon festivals? Paper airplane competitions and other STEM activities for all ages? While the possibilities are certainly not endless given the airport’s size, one does wonder about future community events that might flourish on site. Perhaps one day some of them will become a reality. We can hope.