Thunderbirds release 2009 air show schedule

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NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. (AFNS) --  The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, "Thunderbirds," has announced its 2009 air show schedule. In their 56th season, the Thunderbirds are scheduled to perform more than 73 shows in the United States, Puerto Rico and the Far East.

Entering his second season, Lt. Col. Greg Thomas, the team's commander and leader, welcomes the opportunity to again represent the nearly 700,000 active duty, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve and civilian Airmen, serving in the United States and overseas.

"The entire team is excited about our 2009 schedule," Colonel Thomas said, who commands the Air Combat Command unit. "This year we are humbled to represent Airmen at locations throughout America and overseas."

Colonel 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 is as follows:

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