Arctic Thunder 2008 prepares for kick off

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Ruby Zarzyczny
  • 3rd Wing Public Affairs
ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  The jets are back. Watch them roll through non-stop action-packed skies over Anchorage and experience the exhilarating aerial performances of this year's Arctic Thunder 2008 air show and open house here June 28-29.

This year's air show will feature the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, U.S. Air Force Academy's Wings of Blue Parachute Team, the U.S. Air Force Reserve Jet Car and more than 10 other civilian and military aerial performers. The air show is free to the public. 

Historically the largest two-day event in Alaska, the air show is a way to demonstrate appreciation to the Alaskan community for their support and partnership with the Airmen at Elmendorf as they provide "Top Cover for North America." 

"If you love aviation, military jets, war birds, or country music, this weekend is made for you," said Maj. Kyle Anderson, Arctic Thunder 2008 director. "We have hit the mark providing entertainment, flying, food and fun for everyone." 

The base will open for the community to witness spectacular displays of Air Force, Joint Military Forces in Alaska, and some of the finest civilian and military performers' flying expertise while showcasing military and aviation heritage. The show is meant to entertain and educate the public about the military's mission and aviation and recruit people interested in volunteering to serve in the armed forces. 

In addition to the aerial demonstrations, during the air show there will be plenty to see on the ground, including more than 50 static displays, many vendors with food and other items for sale, a hangar full of activities for the family, and many other events. 

In conjunction with the air show, there will be a free concert June 27 in Hangar 2 at 7 p.m. to kick off Alaska's "We're In Weekend" celebration. The gate opens to the public at 4:30 p.m. Friday. 

The concert -- "Alaska's Operation Gratitude" -- is a gift to the military, as well as Alaskans. The country music's Wynonna Judd is the featured performer. Concert is presented by the Anchorage Statehood Celebration Committee, AT&T, Anchorage Convention & Visitor's Bureau and Elmendorf AFB, and supported by the U.S. Air Force Reserve. The concert starts at 7 p.m. in Hangar 2 with the U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific "Alaskan Express" and the U.S. Air Force Reserve Band "Reserve Generation" opening for Wynonna's band that starts at 8:30 p.m. The performance will end with an aircraft flyover and bonfire. 

Web casts of the concert will be available on the AT&T web site and the concert will be streamed through local NBC affiliate KTUU throughout Alaska and Armed Forces Network to locations around the globe where U.S. Armed Forces members are currently serving in support of the Global War on Terrorism. Military members attending the concert are encouraged to wear their uniform. 

These events will begin Alaska's 50th Anniversary of admission as the 49th state of the United States of America celebration commemorating the "We're In" theme and Alaska's road to statehood. 

More than 50 members of the air show committee put a lot of hard work and energy into making this show the greatest "Arctic Thunder" Alaska has ever seen. 

"This year's show is special as it observes Alaska's 50 years of statehood and Elmendorf's 68th Anniversary," said Tech. Sgt. Francesca Popp, publicity and media director for the show. 

"Each person on the committee is responsible for a small section of the big picture," she added. "Without their contributions and expertise, there wouldn't be a show." 

Major Anderson agreed. "Base involvement goes much deeper than those 50 people and involves almost every unit and countless volunteers," said Major Anderson. 
"Fort Richardson and the Anchorage Municipality have provided vital logistic support with buses, parking and funds," he added.

The local community is also supporting the air show. The Anchorage Fire Department is providing manpower for emergency response and many local businesses are providing monetary donations through the Alaska Air Show Association that paid for civilian aerobatic performances and static displays. 

Base officials are expecting more than 150,000 visitors to attend. Extensive plans for traffic, parking, and security are being implemented to accommodate these visitors. 

Driving on base: 

All drivers must have a valid driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. All vehicles are subject to search. 

Gate Information: 

The Boniface, Government Hill and Fort Richardson gates open to the public each day at 9 a.m. and flying starts at 10 a.m. 

The Boniface and Government Hill gates will be the only Elmendorf gates open to the public. Airmen and base members should be aware of the traffic flow through these gates. For the concert, it will change to inbound only from 4:30-7 p.m. and close inbound traffic at 10 p.m. The gates switch over to outbound only traffic at 10 p.m. 

For the air show, the gates are open to inbound traffic only 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. The gates will close to inbound traffic at 4:30 p.m. and become available to outbound traffic only from 4:30-6 p.m. If you live on base, the best way to get to the air show will be walking. 

Parking Information: 

Handicapped parking will be available near Hangar 1. Additional concert parking will be available at Fort Richardson with a free shuttle bus running to and from the concert from 4:30-11:30 p.m. 

During the air show, remote parking at Bartlett and East High Schools and additional parking at Fort Richardson will be available with a free shuttle bus running from these locations to the air show grounds. 

RV parking will not be available on Elmendorf. Anyone traveling in an RV is encouraged to park at either the East or Bartlett High Schools or Fort Richardson.
Motorcycles:
All motorcyclists must meet Department of Defense protective equipment requirements: helmet, reflective vest, long pants and sleeve shirts, boots/shoes over the ankle, and gloves to drive on the base. Motorcyclists who are unable to meet these requirements must park in the remote parking lots at Bartlett and East High School. Remote parking is not available at Bartlett or East on June 27. 

Restricted Items: 

These items are restricted from the concert and air show: coolers, loose ice, large backpacks or bags over 20 inches long and 14 inches wide, helium balloons, pets, weapons, tents or awnings, cooking equipment, bikes, roller blades, scooters, or skateboards. People in possession of these items will be turned away at the gate. 

All the up-to-date information can be found on the Arctic Thunder 2008 Web site or hear recorded information about the event at 552-SHOW.