MacDill Air Force Base

Skyfest

A U.S. Air Force Aerial Demonstration Squadron Thunderbird maintainer looks out as other Thunderbirds finish their performances at Skyfest 2017 Air Show and Open House July 30, 2017, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. The Thunderbirds are the Air Force’s premiere aerial demonstration team who perform at various military bases and civilian air shows around the world. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Sean Campbell)

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Skyfest

A local community member takes photos of the U.S. Air Force Aerial Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, performance at Skyfest 2017 Air Show and Open House July 30, 2017, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. SkyFest is a community event to inform the public about Air Force assets and to showcase the capabilities of its aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Sean Campbell)

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SkyFest 2017 Air Show and Open House

Service members and members from the local and regional community look up the sky as performers fly by during SkyFest 2017 Air Show and Open House at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, July 30, 2017. SkyFest is Fairchild’s air show and open house to give the local and regional community the opportunity to meet Airmen and learn about the Air Force mission. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Janelle Patiño)

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Swear in

Lt. Col. Jason Heard, U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds Air Demonstration Squadron commander, swears in new U.S. Air Force recruits at the Skyfest 2017 air show and open house July 29, 2017, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. The Oath of Enlistment is a traditional pledge of service given by officers to new recruits. (U.S. Air Force photo / Airman 1st Class Ryan Lackey)

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All together now

Six F-16 Fighting Falcons from the Thunderbirds aerial demonstration team fly in formation at the Skyfest 2017 air show and open house July 29, 2017, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. The Thunderbirds are assigned to the 57th Wing, and are based at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. (U.S. Air Force photo / Airman 1st Class Ryan Lackey)

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Skyfest

The U.S. Air Force Aerial Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, fly behind a Team Fairchild KC-135 Stratotanker on their way to the Skyfest 2017 Air Show and Open House July 27, 2017, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. The 3,600th Air Demonstration Unit was first activated in 1953 at Luke AFB, Arizona, and later adopted the name Thunderbirds. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Sean Campbell)

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Skyfest

A U.S. Air Force Aerial Demonstration Squadron “Thunderbird” F-16 Fighting Falcon reaches for the moon July 29, 2017, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. The Thunderbirds switched from what? to the F-16A Fighting Falcon on June 22, 1982. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Sean Campbell)

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High flying highwire act

A aerial acrobatic stunt performance team displays daredevil skills at the Skyfest 2017 air show and open house July 29, 2017, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. The air show was host to over 12 air performance acts. (U.S. Air Force photo / Airman 1st Class Ryan Lackey)

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Starburst

Six F-16 Fighting Falcons from the U.S. Air Force Aeiral Demostration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, break formation at the Skyfest 2017 air show and open house July 29, 2017, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. The Thunderbird's aircraft maintainers are considered some of the best in the Air Force for their ability to keep the team's F-16 Fighting Falcons performing consistently. (U.S. Air Force photo / Airman 1st Class Ryan Lackey)

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Old glory

A B-25 Mitchell bomber aircraft taxis down the runway at the Skyfest 2017 air show and open house July 29, 2017, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. The B-25 design was named in honor of Maj. Gen. William "Billy" Mitchell, a pioneer of U.S. military aviation. (U.S. Air Force photo / Airman 1st Class Ryan Lackey)

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Jet wash

Four F-16 Fighting Falcons from the Thunderbirds aerial demonstration team takeoff in formation as part of their performance at the Skyfest 2017 air show and open house July 30, 2017, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. The Thunderbirds are assigned to the 57th Wing and are based at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. (U.S. Air Force photo / Airman 1st Class Ryan Lackey)

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Large and small

The Thunderbirds aerial demonstration team taxi in front of a C-5 Galaxy and hundreds of attendees at the Skyfest 2017 air show and open house July 30, 2017, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. Thousands attended the first Fairchild air show in three years, helping the base to celebrate it's 75th anniversary. (U.S. Air Force photo / Airman 1st Class Ryan Lackey)

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Criss-Cross

Two F-16 Fighting Falcons from the Thunderbirds aerial demonstration team perform a close, high-speed pass at the Skyfest 2017 air show and open house July 30, 2017, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. Only the top U.S. Air Force pilots are selected to perform for the Thunderbirds, but they still train continuously to perfect their craft while serving with the Thunderbirds. (U.S. Air Force photo / Airman 1st Class Ryan Lackey)

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Skyfest

Capt. Sarah Harper, U.S. Air Force Aerial Demonstration Squadron public affairs officer shakes the hand of a Skyfest 2017 Air Show and Open House attendee July 29, 2017, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. Millions of people have witnessed the Thunderbirds since their beginning, and they continue to show pride, professionalism and the dedication of hundreds of thousands of Airmen serving at home and abroad. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Sean Campbell)

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Skyfest

The Fairchild Air Force Base Honor Guard presents opening colors at Skyfest 2017 Air Show and Open House July 28, 2017, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. Fairchild’s honor guardsmen perform numerous types of ceremonies, to include two-man and six-man flag folding sequences, colors presentation, colors posting and marching in parades. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Sean Campbell)

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SkyFest 2017 Air Show and Open House

Maj. Whit Collins, U.S. Air Force Aerial Demonstration Squadron “Thunderbirds” pilot #6 signs autographs for the local and regional community during SkyFest 2017 Air Show and Open House at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, July 28, 2017. SkyFest was an opportunity to give the local and regional community a chance to view Airmen and our resources. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Janelle Patiño)

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SkyFest 2017 Air Show and Open House

The U.S. Air Force Aerial Demonstration Squadron “Thunderbirds” fly in formation during SkyFest 2017 Air Show and Open House at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, July 30, 2017. SkyFest is hosting more than 15 types of aircraft and static displays, and more than 10 flying performers. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Janelle Patiño)

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SkyFest 2017 Air Show and Open House

An RA-5C Vigilante flies in formation during SkyFest 2017 Air Show and Open House at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, July 30, 2017. SkyFest was an opportunity to give the local and regional community a chance to view Airmen and our resources. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Janelle Patiño)

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SkyFest 2017 Air Show and Open House

One of The U.S. Air Force Aerial Demonstration Squadron “Thunderbirds” flies in formation during SkyFest 2017 Air Show and Open House at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, July 30, 2017. SkyFest is Fairchild’s air show and open house to give the local and regional community the opportunity to meet Airmen and learn about the Air Force mission. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Janelle Patiño)

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SkyFest 2017 Air Show and Open House

Members from the local and regional community touch the wing of a static display aircraft during SkyFest 2017 Air Show and Open House at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, July 30, 2017. SkyFest hosted more than 15 types of aircraft and static displays and more than 10 flying performers. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Janelle Patiño)

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SkyFest 2017 Air Show and Open House

Service members and members from the local community take photos with static displays during the SkyFest 2017 Air Show and Open House at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, July 29, 2017. SkyFest was an opportunity to give the local and regional community a chance to view Airmen and our resources. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Patiño)

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SkyFest 2017 Air Show and Open House

Service members and members from the local community gathered at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, during the SkyFest 2017 Air Show and Open House at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, July 29, 2017. SkyFest is Fairchild’s air show and open house to give the local and regional community the opportunity to view Airmen and our resources. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Janelle Patiño)

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SkyFest 2017 Air Show and Open House

Service members and members from the local community walk off a C-5 Galaxy during SkyFest 2017 Air Show and Open House at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, July 29, 2017. SkyFest is Fairchild’s air show and open house to give the local and regional community the opportunity to meet Airmen and learn about the Air Force mission. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Janelle Patiño)

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SkyFest 2017 Air Show and Open House

A UH-1N Huey performs during the Skyfest 2017 Air Show and Open House at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, July 29, 2017. SkyFest was an opportunity to give the local and regional community a chance to view Airmen and our resources. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Janelle Patiño)

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SkyFest 2017 Air Show and Open House

Service members and members of the local community watch as the Cascade Warbirds perform during the Skyfest 2017 Air Show and Open House at Fairhcild Air Force Base, Washington, July 29, 2017. SkyFest was an opportunity to give the local and regional community a chance to view Airmen and our resources. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Janelle Patiño)

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SkyFest 2017 Air Show and Open House

A KC-135 Stratotanker taxis down the runway during the SkyFest 2017 Air Show and Open House at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, July 29, 2017. SkyFest is Fairhcild’s air show and open house to thank the local and regional community for their support and give them the opportunity to view Airmen and our resources. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Janelle Patiño)

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2017 Skyfest Air Show and Open House

Two A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft perform during the 2017 Skyfest Air Show and Open House July 29, 2017, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. The A-10 has excellent maneuverability at low air speeds and altitude, and is a highly accurate and survivable weapons-delivery platform. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Jesenia Landaverde)

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2017 Skyfest Air Show and Open House

A B-25 Bomber and a P-51 Mustang perform during the 2017 Skyfest Air Show and Open House July 29, 2017, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. The invasion stripes upon on the aircraft were painted on the fuselages and wings of World War II allied aircraft to increase recognition by friendly forces. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Jesenia Landaverde)

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2017 Skyfest Air Show and Open House

Maj. Whit Collins, solo pilot for the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, talks to air show guests during the 2017 Skyfest Air Show and Open House July 29, 2017, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. Skyfest gives the local and regional community the opportunity to view Airmen and Air Force resources. This is Collins’ first season with the team, flying jet number six. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Jesenia Landaverde)

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2017 Skyfest Air Show and Open House

Airmen with the 36th Rescue Squadron perform a simulated combat search and rescue during the 2017 Skyfest Air Show and Open House July 29, 2017, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. The 36th RQS at Fairchild is part of the 58th Special Operations Wing, Kirtland, New Mexico. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Jesenia Landaverde)

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2017 Skyfest Air Show and Open House

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds perform for the Inland Northwest community during the 2017 Skyfest Air Show and Open House July 30, 2017, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. The Thunderbirds have flown the F-16 Fighting Falcon since August 1982, more than half of the team's history. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Mackenzie Richardson)

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2017 Skyfest Air Show and Open House

An F-18 Super Hornet from Naval Station Lemoore, California, performs for the Inland Northwest community during the 2017 Skyfest Air Show and Open House July 30, 2017, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. During the event, multiple static displays of military aircraft along with more than 10 aerial performances, including vintage military aircraft and civilian acts, were on display for the crowds. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Mackenzie Richardson)

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UH-1 Iroquois demonstration

A 36th Rescue Squadron UH-1 Iroquois conducts a combat search and rescue during the 2017 Skyfest Air Show and Open House July 30, 2017, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. The 36th RQS resides under the 58th Special Operations Wing at Kirtland, New Mexico. As of recently, the 36th RQS has conducted over 690 rescues. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Mackenzie Richardson)

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Fairchild celebrates 75th birthday at Skyfest 2017

Published Aug. 2, 2017
By 2nd Lt Kaila Bryant
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --

Team Fairchild hosted the Inland Northwest Skyfest 2017 Air Show and Open House July 29 and 30, 2017. The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds headlined the event attracting thousands of visitors who were provided the opportunity to learn about Department of Defense capabilities. The show also featured more than 20 static aircraft on display and 10 aerial performances, both by civilian acts and sister services.