Shuttle Launch, Cocoa Beach Air Show, Air Force Week and Port-of-Call by Private Residential Ship The World Create Historic Week of Space, Air and Sea Events on Florida's Space Coast

COCOA BEACH, Fla., Oct. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Space, air, and sea will dominate the week of Oct. 25 on Florida's Space Coast as the last launch of Space Shuttle Discovery, Air Force Week, the Cocoa Beach Air Show and the docking of the noted luxury residential cruise ship, The World, occur within a one-week period.  

AIR FORCE WEEK

Air Force Week starts Oct. 26th and is hosted by the city of Cocoa Beach.  The Air Force chose two host cities for this year's Air Force Weeks - Cocoa Beach and New York City.  A massive public outreach initiative, Air Force Week includes flight demonstration team performances, detailed displays about how the men and women of the Air Force are serving on the front lines, and community visits and talks by Air Force officials.

COCOA BEACH AIR SHOW

Air Force Week culminates with the second annual Cocoa Beach Air Show on Oct. 30 and 31, headlined by the Air Force Thunderbirds, the elite air demonstration squadron of F-16s. General viewing of the air show from the beach is free to the public. Tickets for premium viewing options that include reserved parking are available for purchase. More than 15 military and civilian acts will perform starting at noon both days, including the F-22 Raptor on the first show day, and F-18 Hornet, F-15 Strike Eagle, the Navy Seals Leap Frogs parachute team, and Patrick Air Force Base's 920th Rescue Wing on both days. The show is centered at Lori Wilson Park and takes place over the Atlantic Ocean. Prime viewing areas will stretch from Alan Shepard Park to Minutemen Causeway.

"To see the Air Force honor our community with its prestigious Air Force Week and to land the Thunderbirds in our second year of the Cocoa Beach Air Show is a true honor," said Bryan Lilley, president of the Cocoa Beach Air Show.  "Just like the Olympic Committee picks host cities, the Air Force does the same, and out of all the options in the country, for Cocoa Beach to be selected with New York City really shows how valuable our area is."

Hospitality events take place beginning on Friday, Oct. 29, giving the public an opportunity to meet the pilots and performers.  For a full list of performers, schedule of events including pre- and post-show parties, and to purchase VIP tickets visit www.cocoabeachairshow.com.  

SPACE SHUTTLE LAUNCH

The day after the air show, Space Shuttle Discovery is scheduled to launch from the Kennedy Space Center for its final time before the shuttle fleet is retired next year.  The launch is targeted for Nov. 1 at 4:40pm.  This will be the final space shuttle mission under the command of a U.S. Air Force officer.

"THE WORLD" SHIP

Finally, on Oct. 29, the luxury cruise ship The World docks at Port Canaveral for the Cocoa Beach Air Show.  The World continually travels the globe and offers luxury residences for full or part-time living.  On Sunday, Oct. 31, The World will be clearly visible just off show center. The ship is closed to the public, but it's presence in the area creates a unique opportunity to observe this one-of-a-kind vessel.  

"Our destination offers a unique mix of beach, cruising, space and military history that make a week like this possible," said Space Coast Office of Tourism Executive Director Rob Varley. "We expect all these unique events to provide a memorable experience for visitors and locals."

While in the Space Coast, visitors can also experience some of the world's top space and aviation attractions and museums located in the destination including: 

• Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex offers guests the opportunity to see almost every rocket launched into space at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Center's Rocket Garden.  There is an IMAX movie theatre and the exhilarating attraction, Shuttle Launch Experience, where guests get a first-hand experience of blasting off in actual shuttle. www.kennedyspacecenter.com  

• The Valiant Air Command Warbird museum in Titusville showcases a range of historic airplanes and aircraft that the U.S. military used prior to World War I to current day. Valiant Air Command is a group of enthusiasts who assembled the War Museum as a tribute to the valiant pilots who flew over the years. 6600 Tico Road, Titusville, FL 321-268-1941 www.vacwarbirds.org

• The U.S. Space Walk of Fame Museum is the first and only walk in the nation which honors America's astronauts as well as the men and women behind the scenes of the space program. It features shuttle launch memorabilia and an outdoor park comprised of monuments dedicated to U.S. space missions - most notably is the intricate Apollo monument which took 10 years to construct.  Guests will enjoy unique finds like x-rays of boots that went to the moon and actual pieces from a shuttle. Best of all, visitors have the rare opportunity to actually touch the showcased items, including consoles from past shuttles. 4 Main St, Titusville, Florida 32796 www.spacewalkoffame.com

Located 35 miles (56 km) east of Orlando, Florida's Space Coast is home to Orlando's closest beaches. A family-friendly destination with more than 10,000 guest rooms, the area is an ideal, value getaway, offering adventure, history and nature. With 72 miles (110 km) of Atlantic beaches, the longest stretch in the state, and 250 square miles of wildlife refuge, the Space Coast is one of the largest intact eco-systems in Florida. Home to NASA's Kennedy Space Center, it is the only place in the country where one can watch a live shuttle launch, and after the shuttle program ends will continue to offer viewing opportunities for unmanned rocket launches.  Encompassing Cocoa Beach, Melbourne Beach, Palm Bay and Titusville, the Space Coast also is noted for surfing, its numerous history and art museums, and a popular cruise port, Port Canaveral. For more information, contact the Space Coast Office of Tourism at (877) 572-3224 or visit www.space-coast.com. Visit www.spacecoastlaunches.com to learn about remaining shuttle and upcoming rocket launches.

SOURCE TJM Communications, Inc.

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