Thunderbirds to resume demonstrations this week at Air Power over Hampton Roads at JBLE

Thunderbirds to resume demonstrations this week at Joint Base Langley-Eustis

By Gabriele Barison
May 16 2018
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The return to regular performances is a pivotal milestone for the Thunderbirds as they recover from their first fatal mishap in 36 years

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds aerobatic team is resuming its demonstration season this weekend after a fatal crash in Nevada one month ago.

The team just announced on its website that they will resume their show at Air Power over Hampton Roads at Joint Base Langley-Eustis (JBLE) from May 19-20.

Gen. Mike Holmes, Commander of Air Combat Command, gave the green light to resume based on recommendations of leadership from the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, 57th Wing and U.S. Air Force Warfare Center, as well as a careful review of the team’s safety, training and operational practices.

“The Thunderbirds look forward to safely resuming public shows at Air Power over Hampton Roads,” said Lt. Col. Kevin Walsh, Thunderbird 1, Commander/Leader. “It’s been challenging to get us to this point, but the team is resilient, focused and ready to get back to our mission of recruiting, retaining and inspiring.”

The Thunderbirds will transit to JBLE early in the week leading up to the show to provide additional practice time.

The return to regular performances is a pivotal milestone for the Thunderbirds as they recover from their first fatal mishap in 36 years.

“We are extremely grateful for the support, faith and confidence of our senior Air Force leadership as we prepare to showcase our United States Air Force to the public once more,” Walsh said. “As we hit the road, we’ll carry on our wingman’s legacy with pride.”

An investigation remains underway into the cause of the mishap. A report will be made available to the public once complete.

The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, performs precision aerial maneuvers demonstrating the capabilities of Air Force high performance aircraft to people throughout the world. The squadron exhibits the professional qualities the Air Force develops in the people who fly, maintain and support these aircraft.

A Thunderbirds air demonstration is a mix of formation flying and solo routines. The four-aircraft diamond formation demonstrates the training and precision of Air Force pilots, while the solo aircraft highlight the maximum capabilities of the F-16 Fighting Falcon.

Thunderbirds to resume demonstrations this week at Air Power over Hampton Roads at JBLE
Get your USAF Thunderbirds prints Today and have them signed by the crew! This print is available in multiple sizes from AircraftProfilePrints.com – CLICK HERE TO GET YOURS

Photo credit: Charles Ramey / U.S. Air Force

Artwork courtesy of AircraftProfilePrints.com


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Gabriele Barison

Gabriele Barison

Gabriele Barison is an aviation, defense and military writer. He is the Co-Founder and Editor of “The Aviation Geek Club” one of the world’s most read military aviation blogs. He has flown Super Puma and Cougar helicopters with the Swiss Air Force.

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