Thunderbirds release 2015 show schedule Published Dec. 11, 2014 U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds have finalized their 2015 show schedule. In its 62nd season, the team is slated to perform 71 demonstrations at 39 locations. The flying unit, officially known as the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, will perform its first public flyover of 2015 at the opening of Super Bowl XLIX in Phoenix, Arizona, Feb. 1. The remainder of the schedule is as follows: Feb. 22: Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, Florida March 8: Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Las Vegas, Nevada March 14-15: Titusville, Florida March 21-22: Lancaster, California March 28-29: Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi March 31- April 5: Easter Break April 11-12: Tyndall AFB, Florida April 18: Louisville, Kentucky April 25-26: Lakeland, Florida May 2-3: Dyess AFB, Texas May 9-10: Millville, New Jersey May 16-17: Seymour Johnson AFB, North Carolina May 23-24: Wantagh [Jones Beach], New York May 28: U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado May 30-31: Aurora, Colorado June 6-7: Waco, Texas June 13-14: Whiteman AFB, Missouri June 20-21: Dayton, Ohio June 27-28: Mankato, Minnesota July 4-5: Traverse City, Michigan July 11-12: Gary, Indiana July 18-19: Niagara Falls, New York July 22: Cheyenne, Wyoming July 25-26: Milwaukee, Wisconsin July 28 - August 2: Mid-Season Break August 8-9: La Crosse, Wisconsin Aug. 15-16: Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota Aug. 22-23: Open Date Aug. 29-30: Midland, Texas Sept. 5-7: Cleveland, Ohio Sept. 12-13: Owensboro, Kentucky Sept. 19-20: Joint Base Andrews, Maryland Sept. 26-27: Millington, Tennessee Oct. 3-4: Mather [Sacramento], California Oct. 10-11: Grand Junction, Colorado Oct. 17-18: Houston, Texas Oct. 24-25: Lake Charles, Louisiana Oct. 31-1 Nov.: Joint Base San Antonio, Texas Nov. 7-8: Moody AFB, Georgia The release of the show season is good news for the squadron's Airmen, who normally spend up to 220 days a year traveling. Aside from performing impressive aerial demonstrations, Thunderbird Airmen visit with local schools and hospitals, hold enlistment ceremonies and conduct media engagements to speak with people about the Air Force. "We are extremely excited to represent the Air Force during the upcoming season" said Lt. Col. Greg Moseley, U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron commander and lead pilot. "Our newest team members have been training rigorously to ensure we execute our mission safely while showing the public what their Airmen can do." Moseley is expected to depart the squadron after a change of command ceremony scheduled to occur Jan. 7, 2015. Lt. Col. Christopher Hammond, an experienced fighter pilot with more than 2,000 flight hours, will assume command of the squadron for the 2015 and 2016 demonstration seasons. "It's an honor to share the story of U.S. Airmen serving at locations around the globe," said Hammond. "We hope these stories inspire others to learn more about aviation and opportunities to serve." The Thunderbirds were formed in 1953, and since have been charged with demonstrating the professionalism of Airmen and the capabilities of modern airpower. The 2015 season marks the 33rd year the squadron has performed in the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Assigned to Air Combat Command, the squadron is composed of nearly 130 Airmen serving in more than two dozen Air Force job specialties. The primary product of that teamwork is a Thunderbirds aerial demonstration, which includes approximately 40 maneuvers, featuring formation flying and solo routines. The entire show, including the beginning ground ceremony, lasts about one hour. A typical air show travel season extends from March to November. To learn more about the Thunderbirds, visit www.afthunderbirds.com., or find afthunderbirds on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.
