Air Force Thunderbirds Release 2009 Schedule

The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, "Thunderbirds," announced its 2009 air show schedule recently.

In their 56th season, the Thunderbirds are scheduled to perform more than 73 shows in the United States, Puerto Rico and the Far East.

Lt. Col. Greg Thomas will be the team's commander and leader for the second season. Thomas will join 11 officers and more than 120 enlisted Airmen during the 2009 air show season.

"We are focused on making this season thrilling for audiences from Ocean City, Maryland, to the Far East," said Colonel Thomas, who leads a demonstration composed of more than 40 aerial maneuvers and a ground show. "Our team comes from over 30 specialties throughout the Air Force; they are proud to represent their fellow Airmen who continually execute the Air Force mission, which is to Fly, Fight and Win ... in air, space and cyberspace."

The 2009 schedule:

March
21-22 Luke AFB, AZ
28-29 MacDill AFB, FL

April
4-5 Keesler AFB, MS
18-19 Ceiba, Puerto Rico
25-26 Langley AFB, VA

May
2-3 Robins AFB, GA
9-10 Branson, MO
15-17 Andrews AFB, MD
23-24 Wantagh, NY (Jones Beach)
27 USAF Academy, CO
30-31 Ellsworth AFB, SD

June
6-7 Hill AFB, UT
13-14 Ocean City, MD
20-21 Dover AFB, DE
27-28 Helena, MT

July
4-5 Battle Creek, MI
11-12 Peoria, IL
18-19 Dayton, OH
22 Cheyenne, WY
25-26 Milwaukee, WI

August
8-9 Vienna, OH (Youngstown ARB)
15-16 Chicago, IL
19 Atlantic City, NJ
22-23 Selfridge ANGB, MI
29-30 Hillsboro, OR

September
5-7 Cleveland, OH
12-13 Sacramento, CA
19-20 Hickam AFB, HI

September 22- October 26
Thunderbirds 2009 Far East

Nov
7-8 Homestead ARB, FL
14-15 Nellis AFB, NV