Soaring High at the 2025 Fort Wayne Air Show
The Fort Wayne Air Show, held on July 12-13, 2025, at the 122nd Fighter Wing Air National Guard Base in Fort Wayne, Indiana, was a spectacular showcase of aviation prowess, community spirit, and corporate partnership. This year, Buchanan Logistics and Buchanan Hauling joined forces to help sponsor this thrilling event, bringing together employees, families, and aviation enthusiasts for an unforgettable weekend. The air show featured an impressive lineup of performers, including the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, U.S. SOCOM Paracommandos, Franklin’s Flying Circus – Kyle Franklin, KC Flight Formation Team, Ghostwriter – Nathan Hammond, P-51D Mustang “Gunfighter”, B-25 Mitchell “Miss Mitchell”, Melissa Burns, Skip Stewart, Smoke-n-Thunder Jet Car – Bill Braack, Firewalkers Pyro, and Tinstix of Dynamite. This partnership not only highlighted Buchanan’s commitment to community engagement but also provided employees with a unique and memorable experience.
Buchanan’s Role in the Fort Wayne Air Show
Buchanan Logistics and Buchanan Hauling, both headquartered in Fort Wayne, Indiana, are leaders in the transportation and logistics industry, known for their reliability, innovation, and community involvement. By teaming up to be a couple of additional sponsors for the 2025 Fort Wayne Air Show, the companies demonstrated their dedication to supporting local events that celebrate excellence and bring people together. The air show, hosted at the 122nd Fighter Wing Air National Guard Base, is a biennial event that draws thousands of spectators to witness awe-inspiring aerial performances and ground displays. Buchanan’s sponsorship played a pivotal role in making this event accessible to the public at no cost, aligning with their mission to give back to the community that has supported their growth over the years.
As part of their sponsorship, Buchanan employees were made to feel valued and included in this high-flying celebration. Employees were treated to a VIP experience, complete with free food, exclusive parking on the base, and front-row seating under individual tents designated for each sponsoring company. These tents provided shade and comfort, allowing employees to enjoy the performances up close while bonding with colleagues and their families. The gesture underscored Buchanan’s commitment to fostering a strong company culture and rewarding their workforce for their hard work and dedication.
A Showcase of Aerial Excellence
The 2025 Fort Wayne Air Show was a dazzling display of aviation skill and spectacle, with a lineup that captivated audiences of all ages. The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the headlining act, returned to Fort Wayne for the first time since 2022, delivering a performance that showcased the precision and power of their F-16 Fighting Falcons. Led by pilots like Jeffery “Simmer” Downie, the Thunderbirds demonstrated tight formation flying and high-speed maneuvers that left the crowd in awe. Their diamond formation and solo performances highlighted the grace and raw power of these multirole fighter jets, embodying the Air Force’s motto of “Aim High.”
The U.S. SOCOM Paracommandos brought a different kind of excitement, performing daring parachute jumps that demonstrated the skill and bravery of Special Operations Command personnel. Their precision landings and dynamic displays added a thrilling ground element to the air show, showcasing the versatility of military operations.
Franklin’s Flying Circus – Kyle Franklin wowed the crowd with aerobatic stunts that pushed the limits of his aircraft. Kyle Franklin’s performance, filled with loops, rolls, and heart-stopping maneuvers, was a testament to the skill and showmanship that define his family’s legacy in aviation entertainment. Similarly, Melissa Burns and Skip Stewart delivered breathtaking aerobatic performances, each showcasing their unique styles in the Pitts S-2S Prometheus bi-plane and other agile aircraft.
The KC Flight Formation Team demonstrated the art of formation flying, with their synchronized maneuvers creating a mesmerizing visual display. Nathan Hammond’s Ghostwriter added a touch of whimsy, with its smoke-trailing aerobatics spelling messages in the sky, delighting spectators with its creativity.
Historic aircraft also took center stage, with the P-51D Mustang “Gunfighter” and B-25 Mitchell “Miss Mitchell” evoking the spirit of World War II aviation. The P-51D Mustang, a legendary fighter known for its speed and agility, roared through the skies, while the B-25 Mitchell, a medium bomber, offered a glimpse into the past with its powerful presence.
On the ground, the Smoke-n-Thunder Jet Car – Bill Braack provided high-octane excitement, racing down the runway at incredible speeds, its jet engine roaring in a thrilling contrast to the aerial performances. The Firewalkers Pyro and Tinstix of Dynamite added explosive flair, with pyrotechnic displays that lit up the sky and synchronized perfectly with the air show’s high-energy atmosphere.
The Employee Experience: A VIP Celebration
For Buchanan Logistics and Buchanan Hauling employees, the Fort Wayne Air Show was more than just a spectacle—it was a celebration of their contributions to the company’s success. The VIP treatment began with convenient parking on the 122nd Fighter Wing Air National Guard Base, allowing employees to bypass the crowds and enjoy easy access to the event. Once inside, they were greeted with an array of free food options, from classic air show fare like hot dogs and burgers to refreshing beverages, ensuring everyone stayed energized throughout the day.
The front-row seating under dedicated tents was a highlight, offering employees and their families an unobstructed view of the performances. Each tent was branded with Buchanan’s logo, creating a sense of pride and unity among the workforce. The tents also provided a comfortable space to relax, socialize, and share in the excitement of the air show. For many employees, this was a rare opportunity to bring their families to a company-sponsored event, fostering a sense of community and appreciation.
The 122nd Fighter Wing Air National Guard Base, home to the Blacksnakes, added a layer of local pride to the event. The base’s F-16 Fighting Falcons, which recently returned to the unit in 2023 after a period of flying A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, were on display, showcasing the cutting-edge technology and skill of the Indiana Air National Guard. Employees had the chance to learn about the base’s history, including its roots in the 358th Fighter Group, which flew P-47 Thunderbolts during World War II. This connection to Fort Wayne’s aviation heritage resonated deeply with the Buchanan team, many of whom call the region home.
Community Impact and Buchanan’s Commitment
The Fort Wayne Air Show is more than just an entertainment event—it’s a celebration of aviation, military service, and community spirit. Buchanan Logistics and Buchanan Hauling’s sponsorship helped ensure the event remained free to the public, making it accessible to families across Northeast Indiana. The air show also provided an economic boost to the region, with the 122nd Fighter Wing contributing an estimated $113 million in economic impact to Indiana, according to a report by the Purdue Fort Wayne Community Research Institute.
By supporting the air show, Buchanan reinforced its role as a community leader. The companies have a long history of involvement in Fort Wayne, from supporting local charities to investing in workforce development. Sponsoring the air show was a natural extension of their commitment to giving back, aligning with their values of integrity, teamwork, and excellence. The event also provided an opportunity to showcase Fort Wayne’s vibrant aviation community, including the adjacent Baer Field Heritage Air Park, which features historic aircraft like the F-100, F-4, F-84, F-16, and A-10.
A Weekend to Remember
The 2025 Fort Wayne Air Show was a triumph, bringing together world-class performers, historic aircraft, and a passionate community of spectators. For Buchanan Logistics and Buchanan Hauling, it was an opportunity to celebrate their employees, strengthen community ties, and share in the excitement of aviation. The VIP experience, complete with free food, prime seating, and exclusive access, made the event a highlight for the Buchanan team, fostering a sense of pride and camaraderie.
As the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds soared overhead, their precision reflecting the same dedication to excellence that defines Buchanan’s operations, employees cheered alongside thousands of spectators. The U.S. SOCOM Paracommandos, Franklin’s Flying Circus, and other performers added to the spectacle, creating memories that will last a lifetime. The roar of the Smoke-n-Thunder Jet Car and the fiery displays of Firewalkers Pyro and Tinstix of Dynamite capped off an action-packed weekend that showcased the best of aviation and community spirit.
Buchanan Logistics and Buchanan Hauling’s sponsorship of the 2025 Fort Wayne Air Show was a testament to their commitment to their employees and their community. As the companies continue to grow and innovate in the logistics industry, their support for events like the air show ensures that Fort Wayne remains a hub of excitement, pride, and opportunity. Here’s to soaring to new heights together in 2026 and beyond!
Be sure to check out more pictures from the Fort Wayne Air Show on our Company Events Gallery section!
