AF Thunderbirds kick off new season in style Published March 26, 2007 By Staff Sgt. Julie Parker 99th Air Base Wing Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev -- The Air Force's 'Ambassadors in Blue' performed their spectacular show for Air Force and Nellis leaders and Nevada civic dignitaries during the annual Thunderbirds Acceptance Show March 16, signifying the start of their new tour season. More than 200 spectators gathered on the Nellis flightline to watch the team perform for Gen. Ronald Keys, Air Combat Command commander, who gave the nod for the team to begin their season. After a 20-minute ground show, four of the red, white and blue painted F-16 Fighting Falcons took off in a four-ship diamond formation, immediately followed by two solo aircraft. Performing 360-degree rolls, fast passes as well as slow passes, the team performed with impeccable precision and skill. The crowd cheered as the lead solo No. 5, Maj. Edward Casey, performed and inverted pass before their eyes. Commemorating the Air Force's 60th Anniversary, the team will travel across the United States and overseas to 22 bases and nine countries, performing more than 70 air shows to represent the men and women of the Air Force. The first base they will be performing at is Luke AFB, Ariz., March 24. "The 2007 season is going to be a great one," said Staff. Sgt. Josh Clendenen, Thunderbirds chief of community relations. "The team is headed back to Europe for the first time since the events of Sept. 11th as well as performing at some of the mainstays like Chicago, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., and of course, Nellis. The team is fired up and ready to take the show on the road." According to Sergeant Clendenen, the Thunderbirds are excited and ready to head out. "The team looks incredible. The maintenance crew is chomping at the bit to get on the road, the pilots and support officers are ready to spread the Air Force word. The team looks great, feels great and is ready to show the world what the Air Force is capable of," he said. The sense of pride the team brings is not only felt by its members, but the entire Air Force community. "It is always a proud moment being part of the Opening Ceremony for the Thunderbirds. It is a great event representing who we are and what we are about," said Airman 1st Class April Miclat, Nellis Honor Guard member. The Thunderbirds bring a sense of patriotism and pride to each location they travel to. "This year, the crowds can look forward to a lot of the same high flying, heart pounding aerial maneuvers that we had last year. The major difference is some of the music has changed to enhance the show just that much more," Sergeant Clendenen said.
