Alaskans fly with Thunderbirds

  • Published
  • By Renee Nelson
  • 3rd Wing Public Affairs
ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  As Alaskans prepare to celebrate 50 years of statehood, two former Alaska aviators will return to Elmendorf Air Force Base as part of an organization celebrating their 55th anniversary.

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will perform June 28 and 29 at Arctic Thunder 2008 air show and open house, featuring two former Elmendorf Airmen: Lt. Col. Greg Thomas, Thunderbird Commander/Leader, and Maj. Samantha Weeks, Lead solo.

"Coming back is special because of the warm, wonderful people and community," said Major Weeks, Thunderbird 5, who refers to herself as a proud Alaska resident. "I have never been stationed in a place that has more military support than the local Anchorage bowl. People are excited to support the troops, and as a Thunderbird it's a unique, humbling opportunity to share the Air Force story with the world and specifically with a place that I enjoyed as my home."

Just six years after the creation of the U.S. Air Force as a separate service, the Air Force's official air demonstration team, was activated on May 25, 1953, at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. The name Thunderbirds was soon adopted by the unit, influenced in part by the strong Indian culture and folklore of the southwestern United States where Luke is located.

Today, the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, stationed at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., presents precision aerial maneuvers that exhibit the capabilities of modern, high performance aircraft and the high degree of professional skill required to operate those aircraft.

"I gained some of my most memorable operational experience as part of the Elmendorf team, and coming back with the Thunderbirds will be a great way to pay tribute to so many hard-working people in the wing," said Colonel Thomas. "Alaska was a special assignment for my family and me."

As Thunderbird 1, Colonel Thomas will lead the team that also represents the pride and professionalism of the more than 500,000 Airmen, National Guardsmen and Reservists worldwide in the Air Force engaged in global operations every day.

"People can expect an amazing show that will surpass any performance they may have seen before; a patriotic, precise and powerful performance of the F-16," said Major Weeks. "They'll see the same skills that every fighter pilot and Airman possesses in order to be a member of the world's greatest air force flying a fabulous aerial demonstration at only 200 feet above the ground."

The Thunderbirds transitioned to Lockheed Martin's advanced F-16C, the team's ninth aircraft, in 1992. The F-16 has remained the choice of the Thunderbirds for the last 20 years, the longest performance era of any one aircraft.

Other scheduled aerial demonstrations during Arctic Thunder 2008 include the U.S. Air Force Academy's Wings of Blue parachute team, C-17, F-15, F-22, C-130, HH-60, P-51, F-16 and T-28 flights. Beneath the skies the event will feature ground-based aircraft displays, roving bands, and hangars full of free entertainment.

In addition, Arctic Thunder 2008 officials have partnered with the Anchorage Statehood Celebration Committee to make the air show a kick-off event for the "We're In Weekend," celebrating 50 years of Alaska's statehood.

Arctic Thunder is free and open to the public. Gates open at 9 a.m.; flying begins at 10 a.m. Free parking is available on Elmendorf via the Boniface Gate or the Government Hill Gate. Free shuttle bus service is available from Fort Richardson, Bartlett High School and East High School.