Sky Soldiers bring attack helicopter to Cherry Point

The U.S. Army Sky Soldiers Precision Flight Demonstration Team will put on exhibits of fancy flying and show what makes the AH-1F Cobra attack helicopter such a valuable weapon since the Vietnam War during performances at the Cherry Point Air Show.

During the program, the team's veteran pilots will perform intricate tactical maneuvers that they could expect to perform in combat.

The Cobra got its first test in combat during the Vietnam War and was designed only to be used as an attack helicopter. Up until that point, helicopters often served more than one purpose, according to the Sky Soldiers Web site.

With modifications throughout the years, the Cobra remained active in the U.S. Army arsenal and was the precurser for the Apache helicopters.

The Sky Soldiers have performed at more than 90 events in front of 8 1/2 million people. The team's pilots have totaled 65,000 flight hours and 5,400 combat hours in the aircraft. They have also combined to earn 10 Distinguished Flying Crosses and nine Bronze Stars among other accolades.

The team's helicopters, many of which have been used in combat, were painted and fully restored by members of the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation. The organization aims to preserve authentic, flyable Army aircraft and use them in demonstrations and displays to present a "living history" of this nation's military aircraft.