Thunderbirds onboard for 2010 Open House

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Nicholas Mercurio
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  The Thunderbirds are coming to Wichita. The premier aerial demonstration team of the U.S. Air Force will perform as the signature act for Team McConnell's 2010 Open House scheduled Sept. 25 and 26.

"We are thrilled for the opportunity to bring a headline act like the Thunderbirds to our great neighbors in the Wichita area," said Col. Jamie Crowhurst, commander 22nd Air Refueling Wing, "and look forward to partnering with the city to make this a truly memorable event."

Originally known as the 3600th Air Demonstration Unit out of Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., the Thunderbirds name was adopted soon after the squadron was activated on May 25, 1953.

The demonstration squadron is an Air Combat Command unit composed of eight pilots, including six demonstration pilots, four support officers, four civilians and more than 110 enlisted personnel performing in 29 Air Force specialties. The primary Thunderbird mission is to represent the pride, precision and professionalism all Airmen demonstrate.

The Thunderbirds' aerial demonstration is a combination of formation flying and solo routines designed to highlight the capabilities of Air Force high performance aircraft to people around the world. The pilots perform about 40 maneuvers in a show which, including ground and air segments, runs about one hour.

"We are humbled to have the opportunity to travel the U.S and Canada this year, representing the 700,000 Airmen in America's Air Force," Capt. Jason McCree, Thunderbird No. 12, public affairs officer, said.

McConnell previously hosted an Open House in 2007.

For more information please contact 2nd Lt. Nicholas Mercurio, 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs at (316) 759-3141.

(Facts in this article were contributed by the Air Force News Service.)