the 2016 Robins AFB Air Show

19 Pages·2016·4.68 MB·English

2- September 2016 A Special Advertising Supplement to The Telegraph • AIR SHOW GUIDE
THANK YOU
Welcome to the 2016 Robins AFB Air Show
On behalf of the men and women of Robins Air Force Base, per hour. The Commemorative Air Force will showcase World
welcome to the 2016 Thunder Over Georgia Air Show! War II aircraft: the P-51 Mustang, the Nakajima B5N and the
F4U Corsair. Randy Ball will be performing a solo demo in
We’ve put together a fantastic line-up of aerial demonstrations the MiG-17F, in which he pulls 8 Gs and reaches speeds of
and ground displays. All-in-all, we’ve planned two-days filled nearly 700 mph while sometimes flying less than 100 feet off
with excitement, family fun, and patriotic activities. You will the ground. You won’t want to miss world-renowned superstar,
witness first-hand U.S. Air Force and Team Robins’ power pro- Patty Wagstaff, performing her breathtaking aerial demonstra-
jection capabilities that have proven vital to our great nation and tion. And that’s just to name a few of the acts we have lined up
our allies. for you.
I promise you, no one is more excited about this weekend Check out the fun on the ground with exhibitors and performers,
than our people – Team Robins. This event provides us with a plus a host of static displays including a C-5, C-17, C-130, F-15,
rare chance to invite the public inside the gates of one of the and a Joint STARS aerial reconnaissance aircraft – all are based
Department of Defense’s finest installations. It’s a great oppor- or maintained here at Robins AFB. And that’s just the begin-
tunity for us to show off our mission sets, and the fact that suc- ning.
cess at Robins AFB = success around the world.
No matter what appeals to you … we’ve got you covered!
Of course, it’s the action in the air that makes this event spe-
cial. Topping the bill are the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the I trust you will experience the camaraderie and patriotic spirit
world’s finest aerial demonstration team, bar none – flying only which resonates so strongly on the base and in our local com-
a few feet apart wingtip-to-wingtip. As an added bonus, visitors munity, where Every Day in Middle Georgia is Armed Forces
can get an up-close look at a one of the team’s retired F-16s, Appreciation Day. For more than 75 years, our local community
in its distinctive red, white and blue paint scheme, in a special has unfailingly backed Robins AFB and our many vital mis-
exhibit at the Robins AFB Museum of Aviation, just outside sions.
the Russell Parkway gate on Hwy 247. Don’t miss that photo
opportunity! This year, Robins AFB celebrates our 75th anniversary. The
Thunder Over Georgia Air Show is just our way of saying
The U.S. Army’s parachute demonstration team, The Black “Thank You!” to proud Americans across the Southeast for your
Daggers, will thrill you with precision free-fall parachuting as steadfast support throughout the decades.
they descend from 12,500 feet, traveling at nearly 120 miles
Enjoy the Show,
COLONEL JEFF KING
Commander,
78th Air Base Wing
AIR SHOW GUIDE • A Special Advertising Supplement to The Telegraph September 2016 -3
THANK YOU
TO OUR COMMUNITY DONORS
Air Compressor Sales, Inc Flint Energies National Bank Products
All Care Home Health Georgia Power Navicent Health
American Pride Bank Geotechnical & Environmental Ocmulgee, Inc.
Andy Thomas State Farm Insurance Consultants, Inc. Peach State Hospitality, LLC
Agency Glen Starlnecker at Courtyard by Piedmont Construction Group
Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc. Marriott, Warner Robins Planters First Bank & PFB Mortgage
Butler Lexus Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce Qixie 103.9
CB&T Bank of Middle Georgia Houston Healthcare Quality Inn, Warner Robins
Central Georgia Technical College Hughes Honda RCI Collision
City of Perry iHeart Media, Inc. Robins Financial Credit Union
City of Warner Robins Infinity Network Solutions Robins Regional Chamber
Coliseum Health System JMA Architecture, Inc. Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q
Colony Bank of Houston County La Quinta Inn & Suites, Warner Robins Spivey, Pope, Green & Greer, LLC
Comfort Inn – Warner Robins Lester Miller Attorney at Law Attorneys at Law
Comfort Inn & Suites at Robins AFB Lowe Toyota State Bank & Trust Company
Community Foundation of Central Macon-Bibb County SunTrust Bank of Middle Georgia
Georgia, Inc. Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority The Bateman Group
ComSouth Macon Civic Club The Telegraph
Cox Communications Macon Occupational Medicine Walmart
Dr. Nakeisha M Curry, M.D. and Mercer University Walthall Oil Company
VLChilds/UICF, LLC Middle Georgia Orthopaedic Surgery & Warner Robins Convention and Visitors
Eddie Wiggins & Linda Shingler Sports Medicine Bureau
Fickling & Company Middle Georgia Regional Commission Warner Robins Building Supply Co.
First Response Services Morris Bank Youmans Chevrolet
4- September 2016 A Special Advertising Supplement to The Telegraph • AIR SHOW GUIDE
‘The harder you train, the luckier you get’ — unknown
Patty From Japan her trav- the “First Lady of Aero-
els took her across batics” Betty Skelton
Southeast Asia, Europe Award. In July 2004,
Wagstaff and to Australia where Patty was inducted into
she lived and traveled the National Aviation
up the west coast in a Hall of Fame and was
small boat. In 1979 she the recipient of the Na-
moved to Alaska and tional Air and Space
moved to a small town Museum’s Award for
in the southwest part of Current Achievement in
the state, Dillingham, 1994. Having received
where she worked for many awards for her fly-
the Bristol Bay Native ing, she is particularly
Association. Her job in- proud of receiving the
volved traveling to each Airshow industry’s most
of the remote villages in prestigious award, the
the region, areas only “Sword of Excellence”,
accessible by air. and the “Bill Barber
To Patty Wagstaff the of the precision and Award for Showman-
sky represents adven- complexity of modern, Patty’s first experience ship”. Recently she
ture, freedom and chal- unlimited hard-core aer- with bush flying was was awarded a Lifetime
lenge. A six-time mem- obatics. Her smooth ag- not a positive one. Achievement Award
Today she continues to er equestrian horses,
ber of the US Aerobatic gressive style sets the The first airplane she from the Air Force Asso-
Team, Patty has won the standard for performers chartered for her job ciation. coach their Demo Team. hanging out with her
gold, silver and bronze the world over. crashed on take off, so Jack Russell Terriers
medals in Olympic-level Patty decided to learn to In March, 1994, her For over ten years, Pat- and her parrot, Buddha;
ty has traveled to East
international aerobatic Born in the USA, Patty fly herself, hiring friend airplane, the Goodrich riding motorcycles, trav-
Africa to give bush, re-
competition and is the grew up in and around and later husband, Bob, Extra 260, went on dis- eling, writing about her
currency and aerobatic
first woman to win the airplanes. Moving to to travel with her in his play in the Smithsonian experiences in aviation
training to the pilots of
title of US National Aero- Japan when she was Cessna 185 floatplane. National Air & Space for her column “Let it
the Kenya Wildlife Ser-
batic champion and one nine years old where Since then she earned Museum in Washington vice (KWS) who protect Roll” in Plane and Pilot
of the few people to win her father was a Captain her Commercial, Instru- DC. You can see Patty’s Kenya’s elephants, rhi- Magazine, working out
it three times. for Japan Air Lines. Her mCoemntm, erScieaal plaHneeli copatnedr athirep laPnioen eaenrds eoxfh ibFilti ghint no and other natural re- a nd practicing yoga.
Patty one of the world’s earliest memories in- Ratings. She is a Flight Gallery. sources from poachers. PATTY IS PROUD TO
top airshow pilots, flies clude sitting with her fa- and Instrument Instruc- In 2010 Patty started fly- BE SPONSORED BY
thrilling, low-level aero- ther at the controls of his tor and is rated and Patty has trained with ing for Cal Fire as an Air Global Guardian, offer-
batic demonstrations airplanes. At ten years qualified to fly many air- the Russian Aerobatic Attack pilot in the OV-10 ing international protec-
before millions of people old when her father let planes, from World War Team and has flown Air- Bronco. Cal Fire pilots tion services for corpora-
each year. Her breath- her take the controls of II fighters to jets. Patty’s shows and competitions fly both the OV-10 and tions and high net worth
taking performances his DC-6, her lifelong sister, Toni, is also a in such exotic places as the S2T Tanker out of individuals; Bose Head-
give airshow spectators love affair with airplanes pilot and a Captain for South America, Russia, 13 different bases help- sets, maker of the best
a front-row seat view began. Continental Airlines.. Europe, Mexico and Ice- ing keep California safe noise canceling head-
land. She is a member of from fires and support- sets in aviation; MT Pro-
Though she had never the Screen Actors Guild, ing firefighters on the peller, maker of the best
seen aerobatics, a life- Motion Picture Pilots As- ground. After flying for aerobatic propellers in
long curiosity led her sociation, United Stunt- Cal Fire for three years, the world; Barrett Preci-
to attend her first Air - women’s Association, she has decided to re- sion Engines; Champion
show in British Colum- working as a stunt pilot turn to Florida to start Aerospace, manufactur-
bia in 1983, where she and aerial coordinator an aerobatic school, er of high-performance
saw aerobatic pilots for the film and televi- “Patty Wagstaff Aero- aviation quality spark
perform and promised sion industry. batic School” in St. Au- plugs, harnesses and oil
herself “I can do that!” filters. She is also spon-
gustine, Florida, located
By 1985, five years af- From 1999-2006 Patty at Southeast Aero, the sored by Goodyear Tire
ter gaining her pilot’s was Raytheon’s (now U.S. Distributor for the Corporation, National
license, she earned a Hawker Beechcraft’s) Extra Aircraft and she Parachutes, Concorde
spot on the US Aerobat- demo pilot for their continues to fly airshows Battery and Lord Cor-
ic Team. T6A/B Texan II military around the world. poration. Additionally,
trainer and light attack she is an ambassor for
Patty’s skill is based aircraft, performing in Continuing a life of ad- AOPA...
on years of training international Airshows venture, when she’s Patty Wagstaff Air-
and experience. She is such as Paris, Singa- not flying you can find shows, Inc. is based in
a six-time recipient of pore and Farnborough. her riding hunter/jump- St. Augustine, Florida.
AIR SHOW GUIDE • A Special Advertising Supplement to The Telegraph September 2016 -5
AIR SHOW DO’S AND DON’TS Please help us by following these simple rules to
ensure an enjoyable day for you and your family!
DO: DON’T Don’t bring wagons or other child carrying items Bicycles, skateboards and roller blades
Do Carpool: There are very few entrances to Don’t smoke on the flight line: The entire ramp that are not collapsible.
Robins AFB. Parking will be limited to I.D. hold- is a designated non-smoking area. Additional Multi-purpose Tools (i.e. Gerber/Leatherman)
ers only. Off base parking will be free with buses non-smoking areas will be designated by the base Don’t politically campaign while on base.
Handheld Laser Pointers
providing transportation to and from the shows. fire chief.
Traffic flow into the base will be easier if friends PROHIBITED ITEMS: Wagons (Radio Flyer type, metal)
and family carpool. Don’t plan to park on base and walk to the venue. To keep a safe environment for all attending the
Foot traffic north of the Aero Club is not autho- air show, the following list of items will Canopies and tents
Do bring sunscreen: Temperatures on the flight rized and will be turned around. All on-base park- not be allowed to enter Robins Air Force Base:
line are typically higher than normal. Take extra ing will be bused to the venue. Hoverboards
Knives, box cutters razors, or any other sharp
precautions with small children.
items Drones
Don’t bring dogs or other animals, bicycles,
Do bring a camera and a pen: Many of the per- roller-blades, skateboards, alcohol, fireworks, Firearms, blunt objects, or any other objects con- ALLOWED ITEMS:
formers make themselves available for autographs food or beverages in glass containers, or weapons sider a weapon The following items will be allowed to enter
and pictures during and after the show. of any kind. Robins Air Force Base, but will be subject
Coolers, backpacks, briefcases, large bags or to search prior to entering:
Do bring ear plugs: Loud noises on the flight packages
Don’t over indulge in alcohol: Applicable laws
line can damage your ears. Hearing protection is Small handbags (i.e., purse)
will be enforced. Alcohol consumption can also Alcoholic Beverages
recommended.
increase the chance of heat stroke or dehydration Diaper bags (when accompanied by young chil-
Do bring folding chairs: Seating on the flight line on a hot day. Drugs and Drug paraphernalia dren)
wwialtlc bhe l olinmgietre dd.e Vmiosnitsotrrsa twiohnos ,w eislpl ewciaanltl yt oc hsiitl dtroe n Don’t arrive too late: Limited parking and shuttle Glass Containers Strollers
Wheelchairs and Electric Carts for handicapped
and elderly, will want to bring lightweight, por- service to the flight line will require visitors to Pets (Animals assisting handicapped will be
table seating to the show. arrive early to see all the action. allowed) Lawn/Folding Chairs
6- September 2016 A Special Advertising Supplement to The Telegraph • AIR SHOW GUIDE
AIR SHOW PERFORMERS
(The list below is in no particular order, acts subject to change)
John “Skipper” Hyle (Harvard Mk IV World War II-era T-6 trainer)
Mark Kirsch (C-130 Strongman)
Shockwave Jet Truck
Team Robins Fly-by
Commemorative Air Force (F4U Corsair, Nakajima Kate & P-51 Mustang)
Disabled American Veterans Flight Team (B-25 Mitchell)
Chefpitts (Pitts S1S)
Randy Ball (MiG-17)
Patty Wagstaff (Extra 300)
United States Coast Guard (MH-65 Dolphin)
United States Army Reserve 421st Quartermaster Company Parachute Riggers
United States Army Special Operations Command Black Daggers
United States Air Force Thunderbirds
Gates open at 9 a.m. • Opening Ceremony at 11 a.m.
“I want to be part of Welcome Home Thunderbirds!
your family story” For Your Real Estate needs
AmandaFiebig
AssociateBrokerRealtor® Contact
•MilitaryRelocation
Jillinda Falen
•NewHomeSales
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•SellerRepresentative Specialist/Realtor®
•Commercial [phone](Office)
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MilitaryMenandWomen!
ROBBINS & FREE REALTY 902 Northside Dr Perry,
1271S.HoustonLakeRd.,WarnerRobins,GA31088 GA 30169
1101WashingtonSt.Perry,GA31069
Direct:478.952.2499|Office:478.218.8052 478-224-9980
[email protected]|www.amandafiebigrealtor.com
AIR SHOW GUIDE • A Special Advertising Supplement to The Telegraph September 2016 -7
AIRBOSS
For the past 22 years, both civilian his dedication to running a safe Golden Knight.
and military air shows around the and fast paced air show, David is
Known as an innovator in air
world have been conducted under also the only recipient outside of
show operations and coordina-
the professional and watchful eye the FAA to be awarded the FAA
tion, well over 450 aerial events
of David Schultz. As President Regional Administrator’s Award
have been coordinated by David
of David Schultz Airshows LLC, for Extraordinary Service.
Schultz and his team of dedicated
David is one of the company’s 4
professionals from coast to coast
David is originally from the At-
professional airbosses handing the
in the United States and in the
lanta, Georgia area having gone to
air traffic control duties for air-
Caribbean. Military jet teams,
Fayette County High
shows at military and civilian in- single ship tactical demo teams,
School in Fayetteville, GA before
stallations. He also works with the parachute teams, civilian perform-
moving to the mid-Atlantic region
company’s professional ground ers, warbird owners, museums,
of the United States in the 1980s.
operations specialists for perfect and military squadron personnel
execution of air show activities As a degreed Aerospace and know of his and his company’s
that are safe, entertaining, and Mechanical Engineer, David also dedication to each one of their
on-time. David is also an ICAS brings this level of intricate detail aerial events and their commit-
DAVID
Instructor and advisor for many to all aviation events in which ment to them for a safe, orderly,
air show related education and the company participates. David expeditious, and entertaining
SCHULTZ
de-briefing seminars. Known for is also an Honorary U.S. Army event.
8- September 2016 A Special Advertising Supplement to The Telegraph • AIR SHOW GUIDE
Robins Air Show Parking Plan
Robins air show coordinators have established a parking plan complete with transportation service to assist everyone attending
the event. Buses for all parking locations will start at 8:30 a.m. and run continuously until 6 p.m.
General Public
The general public will not be allowed to drive on base. The off-base parking lots are Middle Georgia Regional Airport and Anchor Glass. People arriving
from I-75 South may park at Middle Georgia Regional Airport on Airport Drive. Guests arriving from I-75 North should take Exit 149 for Middle Georgia
Regional Airport on Avondale Mill Road. People arriving from Warner Robins and Perry may park at the Anchor Glass parking lot (off Highway 247).
Coolers are not allowed on the buses or at the show, and security checks will be conducted at all off-base parking locations.
On-Base Parking
Department of Defense ID cardholders entering the Russell Parkway gates will park in the South base parking areas and ID cardholders entering the Watson
Boulevard gate will park in the North base parking area. Once on base, guests will be directed to a designated parking location. Coolers are not allowed on
the buses or at the show, and security checks will be conducted at the air show entrances.
Bus stops for South base parking are: Ninth Street by Bldg. 905; Ninth Street & Page Road near Bldg. 640; and Warner Robins Street & Ninth Street near
Heritage Club.
Bus stops for North base parking are: First Street & Perry Street and Byron Street & Richard Ray Boulevard behind Bldgs. 210/220; Third Street & Perry
Street behind Bldg. 215; Byron Street & Third Street at back of Bldg. 300; Third Street & Milledgeville Street near Bldg. 323; Warner Robins Street &
Third Street near Bldg. 350; and Robins Parkway & Richard Ray Boulevard across from Bldg. 321.

Base Housing
Shuttles will be provided for on-base residence at designated bus stops. Stops are located in Forest Park at Officers Circle West & Warner Robins Street
and Officers Circle West; Crest View at Tenth Street & Ft. Valley Street and Eleventh Street & Hawkinsville Street; Turner Park at Gwinnett Drive and
Lanier Drive & Habersham Lane.
Handicap Parking
Each parking location will have handicap accessible buses.
Off-Base Parking
From I-75 South
Cochran Field
Take I-75 S to Exit 160 Rd
N
Htoewaadr ds oGultehnedaaslte o Anv Pe i5o mNoilenso Ave Dr
Slight right onto Cochran Field Rd Airport 247 W E
Turn right onto Airport Dr. Parking
straight ahead S
From I-75 North
Travel I-75 N
Take exit 149 turn right onto GA-49
for 2 miles
41
Cmoilnetsin ue onto US-41 N for 2.47 Avondale Mill 247 Robins
Rd
AFB
Turn right onto Avondale Mill Rd
for 3 miles. Parking area will be to Air Show
the left
From Warner Robins
Head east on Russell Parkway
Use the right lane to take the Russell Pkwy
GA-247/US 129 ramp to Macon/
Hawkinsville
Turn right onto GA-247/US-129 S
Booth Rd
Parking area will be on the right
From Perry 247
Head north on Hwy 247
Cross over GA-96
Continue North for 2.6 miles
Parking area will be on the left
AIR SHOW GUIDE • A Special Advertising Supplement to The Telegraph September 2016 -9
COMMEMORATIVE
AIR FORCE
HISTORY & MISSION
I
t began with a single plane. Mercedes, Texas. The CAF created a new Rebel Field craft which were flown by all military services of the
Lloyd Nolen and a small group of ex-service at Harlingen, Texas, when they moved there in 1968, United States, and selected aircraft of other nations,
pilots from the Rio Grande Valley in Texas pooled occupying three large buildings. The CAF fleet contin- for the education and enjoyment of present and future
their money to purchase a P-51 Mustang in 1957. ued to grow and included medium and heavy bombers generations of Americans.
They formed a loosely defined organization to share such as the B-29, B-25, B-17 and B-24.
the pleasure and expense of maintaining the Mustang. More than just a collection of airworthy warplanes
A short while later, the group added a pair of F8F The organization was originally known as the Confed- from the past, the CAF’s fleet of historic aircraft,
Bearcats to the P-51 Mustang. At this point, the mis- erate Air Force. Following a membership vote in 2001 known as the CAF Ghost Squadron, recreate, remind
sion of the CAF became clear: save an example of every and made effective on January 1, 2002, the organiza- and reinforce the lessons learned from the defining
aircraft that flew during World War II ~ a mission no tion is now called the Commemorative Air Force. moments in American military aviation history.
one else was undertaking.
Collecting aircraft for nearly a half a century, the CAF CAF Objectives
What started as a hobby became an urgent mission to now ranks as one of the largest air forces in the world. 1. To acquire, restore and preserve in flying condition
preserve history. Today the CAF has approximately 13,000 members a complete collection of combat aircraft which were
and a fleet of more than 165 aircraft representing more flown by all military services of the United States and
By 1960, the group began to search seriously for other than 60 different types—including planes from several selected aircraft of other nations for the education and
World War II aircraft but it quickly became apparent foreign countries and other n s military conflicts enjoyment of present and future generations of Ameri-
that few remained in flying condition. By the end of since World War II. cans.
the war, America had produced nearly 300,000 aircraft.
Just 15 years later, almost all the warbirds were gone. The Headquarters of the CAF is located in Dallas. CAF 2. To provide museum buildings for the permanent
Decommissioned and stripped of armament and in- members live in every state and 28 foreign countries. protection and display of these aircraft as a tribute to
struments, most of these proud warriors were scrapped In 26 states and four foreign countries, our members the thousands of men and women who built, serviced
or abandoned. No one, not even the Air Force or Navy, have joined together and formed units to foster ca- and flew them.
was attempting to preserve the historic aircraft that maraderie and, in many cases, actively support one
changed the world forever. or more of the classic military aircraft operated by the 3. To perpetuate in the memory and in the hearts of all
CAF. Americans the spirit in which these great planes were
On September 6, 1961, the CAF was chartered as a flown in the defense of our nation.
nonprofit Texas corporation in order to restore and Mission Goals
preserve World War II-era combat aircraft. By the end “A generation which ignores history has no past and 4. To establish an organization having the dedication,
of the year, there were nine aircraft in the CAF fleet. no future” – Robert Heinlein enthusiasm and esprit de corps necessary to operate,
In 1965, the first museum building consisting of The CAF was founded to acquire, restore and preserve maintain and preserve these aircraft as symbols of our
26,000 square feet was completed at old Rebel Field, in flying condition a complete collection of combat air- American military aviation heritage.
10- September 2016 A Special Advertising Supplement to The Telegraph • AIR SHOW GUIDE AIR SHOW GUIDE • A Special Advertising Supplement to The Telegraph September 2016 -11
United States Air Force
The Thunderbird F-16
America’s Ambassadors attitude. For each Thunderbirds F-16
in Blue aircraft that travels, a crew chief and
an assistant crew chief are assigned to
it, ensuring their jet is always mission-
The Thunderbirds have the
ready.
privilege and responsibility to
perform for people all around
Civilians are also vital members of
the world, displaying the pride,
precision and professionalism of the Thunderbirds team. The air show 31’
coordinator, Mr. Michael “Teddy”
American Airmen. In every hour-
Rux, builds the show schedule and
long demonstration, the team
then works with each show site to
combines years of training and
develop an itinerary of events. The
experience with an attitude of
excellence to showcase what the Thunderbirds commander’s secretary, Ms. Maureen
Walker, assists the commander and
Air Force is all about.
executive officer with their adminis-
trative duties, as well as curating the
The sharply choreographed,
popular Thunderbirds museum.
drill-style ground ceremony kicks 31’
off the demonstration by show-
Specifications
Millions of people have witnessed
casing the attention to detail and Speed: Mach 2+
Since the team’s inception, 325 Thunderbirds. Enlisted team members
esprit de corps that defines our the Thunderbirds demonstrations, and Range: Combat radius 575 nm
officers have worn the distin- are selected from units across the Air in turn, they’ve seen the pride, profes- Ferry Range: 2,300 nm
enlisted members. As the jets take
guished emblem of “America’s Force in a highly competitive hiring Rate of climb: 30,000 feet per second
sionalism and dedication of hundreds
to the skies and fly only a few Roll rate: 324 degrees per second w/ gear up
Ambassadors in Blue.” Through process. While each position has its
feet from wingtip to wingtip, the of thousands of Airmen serving at 167 degrees per second w/ gear down
selfless dedication, a desire to various selection requirements, all eli- home and abroad. Each year brings “G” Limitations: -3 to +9
crowd gets a glimpse of the awe-
excel and a constant commitment gible candidates must show a proven Weight: Empty - 17,151 lbs.
another opportunity for the team to
some skills and capabilities that With internal fuel - 24,123 lbs.
to improvement, these leaders record of success and extensive job
represent those who deserve the most
all fighter pilots must possess.
have channeled their efforts into proficiency. credit: the everyday, hard-working Thunderbird modifications to the F-16
The solo pilots integrate their own
making the Thunderbirds what 1. The dogfight switch on the flight control stick was
loud and proud routine, exhibiting Airmen voluntarily serving America re-wired to accommodate the smoke oil on/off switch.
they are today. The Thunderbirds Show Line con- and defending freedom. 2. A smoke oil safe switch was added to the right side
some of the maximum capabili-
sists of 24 professionals in various of the flight control system console.
ties of the F-16 Fighting Falcon – 3. Smoke oil plumbing was added.
More than 120 enlisted person- aircraft maintenance specialties. They
4. The ammunition drum and cannon were removed
the Air Force’s premier multi-role
nel, representing nearly 30 career are selected before each demonstra- to accommodate the smoke oil drum.
fighter jet. 5. The jet fuel starter doors were removed.
fields, form the backbone of the tion season based on their job profi-
6. The Thunderbird paint scheme and motif were
ciency, dedication to duty, and overall added.
QJUNE 1988: Capt. Gerilyn Lentine,
executive officer, becomes the first female
QAUG. 11, 1965: The Thunderbirds officer to join the Thunderbirds. QMAY 13, 2006: The Thunderbirds are
perform their 1,000th airshow at Q1998: Master Sgt. Mary Kochel becomes scheduled to perform their 4,000th aerial Q2007: The Thunderbirds visited
Walkegun, Ill., in the F-100D the first female first sergeant to join the demonstration at Robins AFB, Ga., in the Europe for the first time since Sept. 11,
Super Sabre. QJULY 1974: Sgt. Sara Johnson, an Thunderbirds. F-16C Fighting Falcon. 2001 with the European Goodwill Tour. Wartime Requirement
The Thunderbirds have the capability to trans-
administrative specialist becomes the first
form their red, white, and blue F-16s into opera-
QJUNE 1, 1953 The Thunderbirds are formed. female to join the Thunderbirds.
tion warfighting aircraft in 72 hours.
The team’s combat readiness was last tested
in 1988. The Thunderbirds met the requirement
by transforming aircraft 81-0679 into an opera-
tional asset in 27 hours, minus the paint job.
Q1999: Tech. Sgt. Kim Long becomes
the first female Air National Guard
QJUNE 8, 1953: The first demonstration QMAY 8, 1974: The Thunderbirds member to join the Thunderbirds. Q2009: The team took its fifth Far East tour during the Q2016: Starting in 2016, the team will move to a
was performed at Luke AFB, Az., in the
perform their 2,000th air show at QAPRIL 22, 1990: The Thunderbirds 2009 show season. The team’s tour included visits to two year schedule to reflect the 2016 and 2017
F-84G Thunderjet.
Mountain Home AFB, Idaho, in the perform their 3,000th air show at Norfolk QMARCH 25, 2006: Capt. Nicole Malachowski Hawaii, Australia, Thailand, Guam, Malaysia, Japan and show seasons. The Thunderbirds performed their
T-38A Talon. Naval Air Station, Va., in the F-16A performs her first air show as the Thunderbirds’ Korea. The team performed more than 70 shows in 22 first public fly-over of 2016 at the opening of the
Fighting Falcon. first female pilot at Ft. Smith, Ark. states and Puerto R Daytona 500, Daytona Beach.