Frederick World War II Airborne Demonstration Team back to flying high after storm damages

FREDERICK, Okla. (KSWO) - The historic Frederick Army Airfield hangar sustained heavy damages after a hail storm in the Spring , but now nearly six months later they're back to flying at peak strength.

"After our very first show at Shepherd Air Force Base this year, the tornado struck." Frederick Army Airfield Maj. Andrew Kristopik explained. "And it left, right behind me here, an Olympic size pool hole in the roof and then all around us other holes. Letting in rain, hail, typical Oklahoma weather."

All that destruction also caused water damage to the nearly century old structure that houses a C-47 and C-49 aircraft.

It scared some who work with the airfield like engineer Sean Slocum who thought the hangar had served it's final duty.

"Honestly when I saw the damage I was afraid we were going to lose it," Slocum said. "The damage was significant enough that like with most insurance companies, sometimes it gets to a certain point that they don't pay for it. Thankfully, they didn't do that and we did manage to get at least some of the repairs to make it weather tight again."

Those with the airfield have nothing but praise for everyone who's helped contribute to the rebuilding process, whether it's those who worked on the roof or even the community who offered support.

Training still proceeded through it all, with some air shows in between like the 80th commemoration of the D-Day landings in Northern France.

One of the aircraft in the hangar saw service in the second world war, and inside it are pictures of veterans who jumped from the plane into enemy territory.

Some photos have the veterans or their families signature next to it, while others have dates of soldiers who never came home.

United States Air Force Capt. Nathan Cragun is a current student at the school and says getting to experience what those veterans felt to a lesser extent is something that will follow him wherever he goes.

"Seeing these faces, seeing these names and realize these are men and women who have actually done this." Capt. Cragun stated. "They did this not in Frederick, Oklahoma, not in calm weather but rather on the other side of the ocean while they were taking fire. It was very humbling, to say the least."

That's the main message of the jump school: to remember, honor, and serve.

Though the storm may have damaged the heart of the team, they'll each tell you it's done nothing but build up their relationships better.

"It's made us a stronger team," Maj. Kristopik added. "I think it's brought us closer together to the community, not only here in Frederick but reaching out to the Vernon area, the Lawton area. It's been great."

The Frederick Army Airfield is hosting an Open Hangar day Saturday, October 18.

This event will feature family friendly activities with various displays and potentially jump demonstrations.