Thunderbirds release 2007 show schedule

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NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE: The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, “Thunderbirds,” has announced its 2007 air show schedule.

The team is scheduled to perform more than 68 shows in 21 states and nine European countries.

“The entire team is excited to announce our schedule for 2007,” said Lt. Col. Kevin Robbins, Thunderbird No. 1, commander and leader. “The Thunderbirds' motto is 'Ambassadors in Blue' … in the truest sense of those words this year we'll be able to bring the message of every hard-working Airman to thousands of people around the world.”

The second-year commander said his team is ready to take the Airman's story abroad.

“We are well aware this is a time of conflict for our nation, yet it is important to take the time to display the true nature of our armed forces, both to allies and foes,” Colonel Robbins said. “We look forward to illustrating the dedication, commitment and humility our Airmen display in their jobs each day, both at home and overseas.”

The Thunderbirds will also commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Air Force throughout their 2007 season.

“We are representing six decades of air dominance this year,” Colonel Robbins said. “The Air Force and Thunderbirds of today uphold the pride and professionalism that millions of Airmen have displayed for 60 years.”

The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron is an Air Combat Command unit composed of eight pilots (including six demonstration pilots), four support officers, four civilians and about 110 enlisted people performing in more than 29 Air Force specialties.

The 2007 team includes the world's first female jet demonstration pilot, Maj. Nicole Malachowski, Thunderbird No. 3, right wing, in her second year, and the Thunderbirds' first female solo pilot, Maj. Samantha Weeks, Thunderbird No. 6, opposing solo, in her first season with the team.

The remaining pilots for the 2007 season include: Maj. Chris Austin, Thunderbird No. 2, left wing; Maj. Scott Poteet, Thunderbird No. 4, slot; and Maj. Ed Casey, Thunderbird No. 5, lead solo.

Rounding out the list of officers are: Maj. Rob Skelton, Thunderbird No. 7, operations officer; Maj. Tad Clark, Thunderbird No. 8, advance pilot/narrator; Maj. (Dr.) Dan Mirski, Thunderbird No. 9, flight surgeon; Capt. Amy Glisson, Thunderbird No. 10, executive officer; Capt. Giff Ploetz, Thunderbird No. 11, maintenance officer; and Capt. Elizabeth Kreft, Thunderbird No. 12, public affairs officer.

A Thunderbirds' aerial demonstration is a mix of formation flying and solo routines. The pilots perform approximately 40 maneuvers in a demonstration. The entire show, including ground and air, runs about one hour. The air show season lasts from March to November, with the winter months used to train new members.

The 2007 schedule is as follows:

March
24-25 Luke Air Force Base, Ariz.
31 Point Mugu Naval Base Ventura County, Calif.

April
1 Point Mugu Naval Base Ventura County, Calif.
14-15 Eglin AFB, Fla.
21-22 Barksdale AFB, La.
28-29 Langley AFB, Va.

May
5-6 Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
12-13 McGuire AFB, N.J.
19-20 Andrews AFB, Md.
26-27 Wantagh (Jones Beach), N.Y.
30 U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo. (Invitation Only)

June
2-3 Davenport, Iowa
9-10 Sacramento, Calif.
16-17 Pittsburgh
23-24 Galway, Ireland
26 Krzesiny Air Base, Poland
28 Mihail Kogalniceanu, Romania
30 Ankara, Turkey

July
1 Graf Ignatievo, Bulgaria
4 Aviano AB, Italy
7- 8 Evreux Field, France
14-15 RAF Fairford, U.K.
25 Cheyenne, Wyo.
28-29 Dayton, Ohio

August
11-12 Niagara Falls, N.Y.
15 Atlantic City, N.J.
18-19 Chicago
25-26 Otis Air National Guard Base, Mass.

September
1-3 Cleveland
8 Minot AFB, N.D.
15 Hickam AFB, Hawaii
22-23 El Paso, Texas
29-30 Columbus, Ohio

October
6-7 Pope AFB, N.C.
13-14 Miramar Marine Corps Air Station, Calif.
20-21 Moody AFB, Ga.
27-28 New Orleans

November
3-4 NASA Cape Canaveral, Fla.
10-11 Nellis AFB, Nev.