Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas -- Fiesta of Flight officials announced the lineup of military aircraft coming to Laughlin for the region’s premier Air Force Open House May 12.
The event’s headliner will be the United States Air Force Aerial Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds.
Representing an Air Force comprised of approximately 600,000 total force airmen this 6-plane demonstration team highlights the multi-role capabilities of the F-16 Fighting Falcon.
According to the Thunderbirds’ 2018 official schedule, the Saturday afternoon demonstration at Laughlin will be one of 73 demonstrations in locations. The team is scheduled to perform in locations around the country and in Toronto, Canada.
“It is a great honor for us to have this demonstration team here, as well as all of the aircraft that will visit our Open House,” said Col. Charlie Velino, 47th Flying Training Wing commander. “The Thunderbirds always bring a top-notch show that allows our local community members the opportunity to see some of the essence of Airpower!”
There will be a number of aerial acts throughout the day. Other performances will consist of flybys by the B-1 Lancer and B-2 Spirit, known as the Stealth Bomber; and demonstrations by a P-51 Mustang, A-26 Invader.
While the air will be filled nearly non-stop throughout the day, there will be plenty on the ground entertainment for people to see, i.e., performances by Shockwave Jet Truck.
Aircraft on display are the KC-135 Stratotanker, A-10 Thunderbolt II, F-16 Fighting Falcon, 2 F-35 Lighting II, CV-22 Osprey, AC-130W Stinger II, C-17 Globemaster, RC-135 Rivet Joint, T-6 Texan II, T-38C Talon and T-1 Jayhawk.
In addition to seeing a variety of aircraft, community members will have an opportunity to see firsthand what makes Laughlin successful – our Airmen.
“There are going to be a lot of displays from the whole Laughlin community, beyond flying,” said Maj. David Brandt, Open House director. “Some of the displays will be from the support missions: aircrew training and life support equipment.”
Laughlin’s, “Fiesta of Flight” Open House and Air Show, is free and open to the public.
For more information visit www.laughlinopenhouse.com or follow the event on Facebook at Laughlin Air Force Base.
For further information regarding “Fiesta of Flight” happenings please contact the 47th Flying Training Wing public affairs office at (830) 298-5262 or via email at 47FTWPA.Tasker@us.af.mil