DVIDS – News – Cannon Range Open House Scheduled for August 4

FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. — For the first time since 2015, Cannon Range, located on Fort Leonard Wood and operated by the U.S. Air Force Reserve, is open to the community.

The event, scheduled for August 4 from 9am to 1:30pm, will offer the public the chance to see different types of aircraft in action.

The 11,000-acre area, tucked into the southwest corner of Post, is operated by the 442nd Fighter Wing, based at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri. It’s a training area where pilots can hone their skills in simulated air-to-ground combat.

“Cannon Range is an aerial gunnery and bombing range. Our mission is to provide a realistic and relevant joint training environment in support of air-to-ground operators and weapons systems from across the Department of Defense,” said Air Force Master Sgt. Thomas Davis, NCO in charge of Cannon Range, 442nd Operations Support Squadron.

According to Davis, the runway is primarily used to train pilots who fly the A-10 Thunderbolt II, a twin-engine jet aircraft better known as the Warthog.

“We also have B-2 bombers from Whiteman, C-17 (Globemaster) and C-130 (Hercules) from St. Joseph, Missouri, and Little Rock, Arkansas, to practice air drops, and UH-60 (Black Hawk helicopters) from Fort Leonard Wood and Whiteman.”

Davis said not all the action takes place in the air. The site also trains military personnel to fly military aircraft from the ground.

“We also receive Tactical Air Control Parties, Joint Terminal Attack Controllers and Special Operations Terminal Attack Controllers from all over the world so they can train with aircraft in real time,” he added.

Davis said public outreach events, such as the upcoming open house, “are a way to give the local community a chance to see what’s going on in their area. Some people see planes flying around but don’t necessarily know why or where they’re going.”

The open house will feature A-10 Thunderbolts from the 442nd Fighter Wing and B-2 Spirit stealth bombers from the 509th and 131st Bomb Wings, all based at Whiteman, about 130 miles (209 kilometers) from Fort Leonard Wood near Knob Noster, Missouri.

Spectators can see aircraft firing simulated munitions at targets throughout the site.

“The A-10 will use its 30mm GAU-8 Avenger, a hydraulically powered seven-barrel Gatling-style cannon. They will also drop BDU-33s, which are 25-pound practice bombs,” Davis said.

It’s important to note, Davis said, that once someone is inside the gates, no one is allowed to leave until the last plane has passed through the airport.

“The gates to the range open at 7:00 and close at 9:00. The last plane leaves between 1:00 and 1:30. Everything has to remain closed because of the use of ammunition on the range,” Davis said.

He also said it’s important to bring beach chairs, cameras, binoculars, sunscreen and plenty of water.

“It’s August in Missouri, so make sure you stay hydrated,” Davis said. “There will be concessions through the Fort Leonard Wood Better Opportunities for Single Service Members Program. Cash will be accepted and they will offer hot dogs, chips, cookies, crackers, soda and water. Hot dogs are $3 and everything else is $1.”

Davis said the event has historically attracted between 700 and 3,000 people and he’s looking forward to sharing his craft with the community.

“It’s great to see the awe that comes from the kids and adults when they see the A-10 firing for the first time. It’s also great to give the public a behind-the-scenes look at what goes on at Cannon Range,” he said.

Aircraft can change based on mission requirements, Davis noted. For more information, call 573.563.9220.