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

Mullers ARC July2025 1
Mullers ARC July2025 1

NRA Announces Dianna & Ryan Muller As Brand Ambassadors For America’s Rifle Challenge

NRA announces Dianna & Ryan Muller as brand ambassadors for America’s Rifle Challenge program, promoting AR-15 marksmanship, safety and training.

Eley’s New Trial Packs Let Competition Shooters Find Their Perfect Rimfire Match Ammo

Eley launches trial ammo packs to help shooters test and match precision .22 LR rounds to their firearms.

Ava Downs Captures Junior Olympic Trap Title On Home Turf

Hillsdale’s Ava Downs takes gold in women’s trap at the 2025 USA Shooting Junior Olympic Championships hosted at the Halter Center.

Brandon Powell Claims 8th Georgia State Sporting Clays Title

Brandon Powell wins his eighth Georgia State Sporting Clays Championship, continuing his dominance with multiple top finishes at the 2025 tournament.

Vincent Hancock Claims 30th ISSF Medal As Team USA Dominates 2025 Lonato World Cup

Team USA shines at 2025 ISSF Lonato World Cup with golds from Vincent Hancock and Sam Simonton, plus silver for Dania Vizzi.

Jon Shue Clinches Third Straight NRA National Precision Pistol Championship Title

Shue continues his dominant streak in bullseye pistol shooting after 2025 NRA National Precision Pistol Championship victory.

Interests



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