|
Marshall, Minn. – December 7, 2007 – To history buffs, the Red Baron is Baron Manfred von Richthofen, the successful World War I fighter pilot who flew a bright red airplane and shot down 80 enemy aircraft.
But to air show fans, the Red Baron is the outstanding formation aerobatic team that wowed millions at more than 2,000 air shows since 1979.
No more.
On Dec. 3, the Schwan Food Company announced it was refocusing its marketing program because of changes in the retail grocery market and discontinuing its Red Baron® Pizza Squadron.
For nearly three decades, Red Baron pilots have flown in formation less than a wingspan apart while performing aerobatic maneuvers such as loops, clover leafs, hammerheads and barrel rolls.
“We are very proud to have been a part of such a legendary program,” said Jayson Wilson, director of flight operations and left wing pilot, on behalf of the Red Baron Squadron pilots and staff. “We can all say we were a part of something really special. The air show community and our fans have been great. We’ll miss all of them.”
But the Red Baron’s fans are not taking the news lying down. Ed Shipley, founder of AirShowBuzz.com, has launched a viral campaign to save the group. “The abrupt termination of the greatest civilian formation team in U.S. history is like tearing down a treasured national monument,” he writes. “If you believe in this team, if you believe in this cause, I ask you to join me in signing this petition to save the Red Barons.” Click here to sign.
Wilson said he and the squadron have received hundreds of contacts from supporters since the retirement announcement was made late Monday.
Many echoed those sentiments on the AirShowBuzz.com site. “There's just something about a gaggle of Stearmans zooming gracefully in the air that gets me. I, for one, do not want to see them disappear from the skies,” wrote Dan. F.
“The Red Barons are a true Icon,” wrote Jane Wicker, a wingwalker and pilot. “The team has made history and has brought the Beauty of the Golden Age of Aviation to modern day America. They are ambassadors of aviation and a class act that should remain for years to come.”
But some who signed the petition may give Schwan a financial reason to bring the team back. Deb Mitchell of Fleming Island, Florida, wrote, “No Red Baron Pizza in our house unless the team's flying!”
The Marshall Independent reported the retirement was abrupt and that the squadron had a full slate of air shows scheduled for 2008. The squadron was based in Marshall, Minnesota.
Bill McCormack, Schwan’s executive vice president said the company is also looking to sell the squadron’s assets, which includes seven airplanes, tooling, and ground support vehicles. "We’d be happy to dialogue with any company or people who would be interested. We hope to find a good use for them," he said.
Red Baron Squadron facts
• The squadron has flown more than 80,000 passengers.
• They have traveled more than 6 million miles.
• The pilots fly Boeing Stearman biplanes built between 1941 and 1943. The Stearman was the primary training aircraft in the United States, Canada and Europe during World War II.
• Forty-two pilots have been members of the Red Baron Pizza Squadron’s 28-year history.
• The Red Baron Pizza Squadron won the Art Scholl Award in 1995 and the Bill Barber Award in 1993.
|
|
 .
More Information
Red Baron Squadron
Save The Red Barons
|
Become a Volunteer | Volunteer Recognition | Program News | Resources | World's Largest Logbook
EMAIL
STORY
PRINTER
FRIENDLY
Privacy Policy 