Thunderbirds to roar at Travis

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Charles V. Rivezzo
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will make their way to Northern California May 3-4, where they are scheduled to headline the Travis Air Force Base Open House.

An event that routinely draws crowds of more than 100,000, the annual Travis Open House event was previously canceled due to sequester-driven budget cuts since 2011.

According to Lt. Col. Eric Weber, 22nd Airlift Squadron C-5 Galaxy pilot and Open House director, the Thunderbirds are set to perform for 90 minutes on both days of the event. Additionally, the planning committee is working to finalize a performance by the U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team as well as coordinating other military aerial demonstrations in order to showcase the country's military readiness and capabilities.

Furthermore, the planning committee also is working toward securing civilian aerial demonstrations and static displays.

"I believe it's important to continue to foster and develop military and civilian relationships so that they remain connected," Weber said. "We all must ensure the patriotism that brought the country together after Sept. 11 remains as strong as ever. We will all be counting on the next generation to defend the Constitution of the United States and to preserve the rights and liberties that all Americans share today."

Travis' wing commander, Col. Corey Martin, echoed that sentiment.

"Public outreach is a crucial component of the Air Force mission that reinforces trust and confidence in the U.S. military with our local communities," Martin said.

Weber went on to add that those who haven't had the opportunity to witness an aerial performance by the Thunderbirds are in for a real treat come May.

"The precision and wow factor the Thunderbirds bring to the public is truly a one-of-a-kind experience for all ages," he said. "I still remember my first time watching the Thunderbirds. I was 6 years old and my dad took me to the Dayton Air Show in Ohio. The unmatched precision, breathtaking views and thunder in my belly sparked my passion for flying and aviation."

For more information about this year's Travis Open House, log on to the official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/TravisOpenHouse.