Buchanan Hauling and Rigging Soars 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 thrilling celebration of aviation excellence, community pride, and corporate partnership. Buchanan Hauling and Rigging, Inc., a Fort Wayne-based leader in transportation and logistics, proudly sponsored this spectacular 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 sponsorship highlighted Buchanan’s commitment to community engagement and provided employees with a unique, VIP experience.
Buchanan Hauling and Rigging’s Role in the Fort Wayne Air Show
Buchanan Hauling and Rigging, Inc., headquartered in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is renowned for its expertise in heavy haul transportation, rigging services, and logistics solutions. By sponsoring the 2025 Fort Wayne Air Show, the company showcased its dedication to supporting local events that celebrate innovation, precision, and community spirit. Hosted at the 122nd Fighter Wing Air National Guard Base, the air show is a biennial event that attracts thousands to witness breathtaking aerial performances and ground displays. Buchanan’s sponsorship ensured the event remained free to the public, aligning with their mission to give back to the Fort Wayne community that has been integral to their success.
As part of their sponsorship, Buchanan Hauling and Rigging treated employees to a VIP experience, including free food, exclusive parking on the base, and front-row seating under a dedicated company tent. This setup provided shade, comfort, and an unparalleled view of the performances, allowing employees and their families to bond and share in the excitement. The gesture reflected Buchanan’s commitment to fostering a strong company culture and recognizing their workforce’s hard work and dedication.
A Showcase of Aerial Excellence
The 2025 Fort Wayne Air Show delivered a stunning display of aviation skill and spectacle, captivating audiences of all ages. The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the headlining act, returned to Fort Wayne for the first time since 2022, showcasing the precision and power of their F-16 Fighting Falcons. Led by pilots like Jeffery “Simmer” Downie, the Thunderbirds performed tight formation flying and high-speed maneuvers, their diamond formation and solo routines embodying the Air Force’s motto, “Aim High.”
The U.S. SOCOM Paracommandos added a thrilling ground element, performing daring parachute jumps that highlighted the skill and bravery of Special Operations Command personnel. Their precision landings and dynamic displays captivated the crowd, showcasing the versatility of military operations.
Franklin’s Flying Circus – Kyle Franklin delivered aerobatic stunts that pushed the boundaries of his aircraft, with loops, rolls, and heart-stopping maneuvers that honored his family’s legacy in aviation entertainment. Similarly, Melissa Burns and Skip Stewart wowed spectators with their unique aerobatic styles, flying agile aircraft like the Pitts S-2S Prometheus bi-plane.
The KC Flight Formation Team demonstrated the art of synchronized flying, their precise maneuvers creating a mesmerizing visual spectacle. Nathan Hammond’s Ghostwriter added a playful touch, using smoke-trailing aerobatics to spell messages in the sky, delighting the audience with its creativity.
Historic aircraft brought a nostalgic element, with the P-51D Mustang “Gunfighter” and B-25 Mitchell “Miss Mitchell” evoking World War II aviation. The P-51D Mustang, known for its speed and agility, roared through the skies, while the B-25 Mitchell, a medium bomber, offered a powerful reminder of aviation history.
On the ground, the Smoke-n-Thunder Jet Car – Bill Braack provided high-octane excitement, racing down the runway with its jet engine roaring, creating a thrilling contrast to the aerial performances. The Firewalkers Pyro and Tinstix of Dynamite lit up the sky with explosive pyrotechnic displays, perfectly synchronized with the air show’s high-energy atmosphere.
The Employee Experience: A VIP Celebration
For Buchanan Hauling and Rigging employees, the Fort Wayne Air Show 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 avoid crowds and enjoy seamless access to the event. Once inside, they were treated to a variety of free food options, from classic air show staples like hot dogs and burgers to refreshing beverages, keeping everyone energized throughout the day.
The front-row seating under a branded Buchanan tent was a highlight, offering employees and their families an unobstructed view of the performances. The tent provided a comfortable space to relax, socialize, and share in the excitement, fostering a sense of pride and unity among the workforce. For many employees, the opportunity to bring their families to a company-sponsored event strengthened their connection to Buchanan and created lasting memories.
The 122nd Fighter Wing Air National Guard Base, home to the Blacksnakes, added a layer of local pride. The base’s F-16 Fighting Falcons, which returned to the unit in 2023 after flying A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, were on display, showcasing the advanced technology and skill of the Indiana Air National Guard. Employees learned about the base’s history, rooted in the 358th Fighter Group’s P-47 Thunderbolts during World War II, deepening their connection to Fort Wayne’s aviation heritage.
Community Impact and Buchanan’s Commitment
The Fort Wayne Air Show is more than an entertainment event—it’s a celebration of aviation, military service, and community spirit. Buchanan Hauling and Rigging’s sponsorship ensured the event remained free to the public, making it accessible to families across Northeast Indiana. The air show also contributed to the region’s economy, with the 122nd Fighter Wing generating an estimated $113 million in economic impact for Indiana, according to a Purdue Fort Wayne Community Research Institute report.
By sponsoring the air show, Buchanan Hauling and Rigging reinforced its role as a community leader. The company has a long history of supporting Fort Wayne through charitable initiatives and workforce development. Sponsoring the air show aligned with their values of integrity, teamwork, and excellence, while showcasing Fort Wayne’s vibrant aviation community, including the 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, uniting world-class performers, historic aircraft, and a passionate community of spectators. For Buchanan Hauling and Rigging, it was an opportunity to celebrate their employees, strengthen community ties, and share in the thrill of aviation. The VIP experience, with free food, prime seating, and exclusive access, made the event a highlight for the Buchanan team, fostering pride and camaraderie.
As the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds soared overhead, their precision mirroring Buchanan’s commitment to excellence, employees cheered alongside thousands of spectators. The U.S. SOCOM Paracommandos, Franklin’s Flying Circus, and other performers created a spectacle that left lasting memories. 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 Hauling and Rigging’s sponsorship of the 2025 Fort Wayne Air Show was a testament to their dedication to their employees and community. As they continue to lead in the heavy haul and rigging industry, their support for events like the air show ensures Fort Wayne remains a hub of excitement, pride, and opportunity. Here’s to soaring to new heights in 2026 and beyond! Check out even more pictures from the event in our photo gallery!
