The US Air Force Thunderbirds
The Great Tennessee Air Show has been impressing crowds for more than 40 years, and this weekend is sure to abound with cheers of appreciation for the return of the United States Air Force Thunderbirds.
Held at the Smyrna Airport on May 7 and 8, the Great Tennessee Airshow offers the community an opportunity to experience aviation up close and personal.
“We are extremely excited to be hosting the elite USAF Thunderbirds team here at Smyrna Airport (this) year for the Great Tennessee Air Show,” Smyrna Airport executive director John Black said. “This is an event you don’t want to miss.”
The 2011 show will feature many other aerobatic acts including Mike Wiskus, Gene Soucy, Mike Goulian plus many more to come. There will also be many ground aircraft static displays and activities for children.
Internationally renowned, the USAF Thunderbirds precision aerobatic flight team has been performing around the globe since 1953, according to a news release. Flying the Fighting Falcon F-16 aircraft, this performance is a show of speed and maneuverability. Their last appearance at the Great Tennessee Airshow was in 2005.
“The Thunderbirds are proud to represent Air Force Airmen who make America’s Air Force the most advanced and respected air, space and cyberspace force the world has ever seen,” the event’s website states.
“They continually provide consistant and credible Global Vigilance, Global Reach and Global Power, giving a critical edge to today’s joint warfighting and coalition teams. As Air Force ambassadors, the Thunderbird team strives to showcase the integrity, selfless service and excellence embodied by American Airmen everywhere.”
Now in their 58th season, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds are taking their show on the road, showcasing the pride and precision of today’s Air Force and wowing huge audiences around the world in their Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon.
The team’s primary mission is two-fold: first, to exhibit the capabilities of modern, warfighting aircraft and, second, to demonstrate the high degree of skill maintained by Air Force members serving in a variety of career specialties.
“Leveraging a broad range of military experience, team members will carry out the unique Thunderbird mission with a special salute to their brothers and sisters in arms who are literally fighting America’s battles in air, space and cyberspace,” the website states.
It’s both a privilege and a responsibility for the Thunderbirds to represent Airmen around the world. Binding all Airmen together is a devotion to integrity, unselfish service and excellence in all efforts.
Gates open at 8 a.m. both days, and tickets can be purchased online at smyrnaairport.com/air_show.
