Vintage Warplane Flyover Dazzles Crowd at 2016 Camp Perry First Shot Ceremony

by
posted on July 12, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
b-17-closeup-1.jpg
The Liberty Aviation Museum’s WWII Navy TBM Avenger and B-25 bomber, Georgie’s Gal, as well as the Yankee Air Museum’s Yankee Lady B-17 bomber soared above the crowd at Shooters’ Memorial Plaza at this year's First Shot Ceremony at Camp Perry, OH. As each plane flew over, they were saluted by a War of 1812 period cannon, a Civil War era cannon, a modern era 37mm anti-aircraft gun, and last but not least—Camp Perry’s own 70mm cannon. Each plane did a loop over Lake Erie before flying back through the smoke from the artillery. 

The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP), the National Rifle Association and the Adjutant General’s Department of Ohio were the hosts of this year's First Shot Ceremony, marking the official start of the 2016 National Matches.

Colors were presented by the 555th Honors Detachment of Wooster, OH. This year’s flag bearer was Lloyd Boyer, 90, who was an artilleryman in General George Patton’s Third Army in WWII, as well as a special guest at last year's First Shot ceremony.

The 122nd Army Band entertained the crowd with traditional military songs, including a salute to the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard.

The First Shot Speaker this year was CMP Board Member Oscar Mahlon Love. Among his many accomplishments, he is a retired executive vice president and director of the largest bank in New Mexico as well as a former Commissioner of the New Mexico State Police. Additionally, as a Civilian Aide Senior to the Secretary of the Army, Mr. Love has assisted on governmental and private boards, and he is also very involved with youth-oriented activities.

Mr. Love fired the first official shot of the National Matches at the conclusion of the ceremony.

Latest

Hitch Rem Nsca 2026 Oct 1
Hitch Rem Nsca 2026 Oct 1

One Year After a Costly Station, Todd Hitch Wins NSCA Nationals

Team Remington shooter Todd Hitch wins 2026 NSCA National Sporting Clays Championship Main Event by seven targets in San Antonio.

Collegiate Rifle: West Virginia Holds No. 1 in CRCA Top 20 Through Oct. 25

West Virginia holds No. 1 in the CRCA Top 20, while Navy stays unbeaten and Akron jumps into the top 10.

New: Smith & Wesson Model 22 of 1917 Classic and Model 22 Classic Revolvers

Smith & Wesson’s new Model 22 of 1917 Classic and Model 22 Classic revolvers revive its World War I-era .45 N-frame.

25 Schools Competing at 2026 USA College Clay Target League National Championship

Clay target shooters from 25 colleges will meet at Brittany Shooting Park in Illinois Oct. 30-Nov. 1 to decide USACCTL individual and team national titles.

New: Remington Rechargeable Mini-Dehumidifier

Remington’s new 5-in-1 Rechargeable Mini-Dehumidifier keeps safes up to 333 cubic feet dry for 60 days per charge. MSRP is $99.99.

New: Warne Universal Receiver Red Dot Mount

The Warne Universal Receiver Red Dot Mount provides a streamlined way to add a red-dot sight without unnecessary bulk.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.