Eielson opens gates to public for Thunderbirds demo

  • Published
  • By Compiled from staff reports
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Eielson Air Force Base will open its doors to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 24 for the 2008 "Soaring into Solstice" Thunderbirds Demonstration.

Guests will be treated to aerial and ground demonstrations and a variety of entertainment throughout the day, all free of charge. Guests are encouraged to visit the Soaring into Solstice Web page at: http://www.eielson.af.mil/library/openhouse.asp for the latest event updates.

The festivities begin at 10:30 a.m. with an opening ceremony of a four-ship flyover with Eielson's own F-16 Aggressors.

Soon after, guests will be treated to military working dog demonstrations and an Air Force Reserve Command Jet Car performance.

An Army exhibition featuring Fort Wainwright's helicopters focusing on air assault begins at 12:15 p.m.

Featured aircraft include the: F-16C Fighting Falcon, KC-135 Stratotanker, UH-60 Black Hawk and the F-22 Raptor. Aircraft that have not departed the flightline after RED FLAG-Alaska 08-3 may also be on display.

The Air Force Thunderbirds recognition ceremony begins at 1:30 p.m. and the Thunderbirds aerobatic demonstration begins 2 p.m. The demo is followed by an autograph session with the Thunderbirds.

During the ceremony five junior Air Force enlisted members will be recognized for their hard work, dedication and accomplishments.

A Thunderbirds' aerial demonstration is a mix of formation flying and solo routines. The pilots perform approximately 40 maneuvers in a demonstration.

Food and beverages will also be sold during the event.

Visitors to the base are asked to please note the following:

● The Richardson Highway running through Eielson AFB will be closed incrementally from 2 to 3 p.m. during June 24 while the aerobatic demonstrations are underway and on June 23 during demonstration team practice. Federal Aviation Administration regulations require the highway be closed during aircraft aerobatic and high-speed maneuvers to ensure public safety.

● Free public on-base parking is available but limited, and visitors are asked to car pool, if possible. Parking for recreational vehicles is also limited on base. To ensure the safety and security of all air show attendees, all vehicles entering the base are subject to search.

● For security reasons coolers and other large carry-alls are prohibited. Strollers and camera/diaper bags are acceptable; however, these items and everyone attending the event are subject to search.

● Bicycles, skateboards, roller blades or any other personal conveyance are prohibited.
For more information or for media interested in covering the Thunderbirds Demonstration, please contact the Eielson AFB Public Affairs office at 377-2116 or e-mail: 354fw.pa@eielson.af.mil.