Para-Commandos hope to wow AirFest crowd

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.