Para-Commandos hope to wow AirFest crowd

TAMPA, Fla. - Some of the best action at MacDill's AirFest this weekend will take place on the outside of an airplane.

The Special Operations Command Parachute Team, the Para-Commandos, planned to hold four performances through the weekend, giving audiences a glimpse into the world of special ops.

"They're the unseen warriors," said Major Robert Schwaab, U.S. Marine Corps and Para-Commandos jumper. "They do amazing things and their story never gets told. This is a small way we can give our appreciation to what they do day-in and day-out across the globe."

The Para-Commandos are trained to make mind-blowing precision landings: hitting 6-foot targets after falling from thousands of feet above.

Gates for MacDill AirFest open at 8 a.m.; aerial performances were scheduled begin at 11:15 a.m., though weather had delayed Saturday’s start time.

The event, and parking, is free to the public.