Thunderbirds advance team visits Keesler

Published Feb. 13, 2015
By Senior Airman Holly Mansfield
81st Training Wing Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- The Thunderbirds advance pilot, Maj. Scott Petz visited Keesler for a site survey Feb. 11. The visit was part of a site survey for the upcoming Keesler Air Show/Open House, March 28-29.

"Safety is our No. 1 concern," said Petz. "One of the advantages is that I get to come out to the event site before the team's arrival and take a look at the air show container and where the team flies and performs its maneuvers. We will look over the location, which is great here at Keesler, to ensure its safety. The F-16 will pick up any small rocks, so we are looking to make sure that it will support not only our aircraft, but also the C-17 and the personnel who are here to help us."

They also met with Lt. Col Kyle Tate and Lt. Col. Ryan Conner, Keesler's Air Show co-directors, and other members of the base's air show team to discuss plans for the event.

"One of the things we do is work very closely with the Federal Aviation Administration," said Petz. "If we see any issues, as far as safety goes, then we will re-work those issues. That's one of the reasons why I come out here in advance. I will recognize those issues so the team can come out and pull off a great air show."

This was the Thunderbirds' first appearance at Keesler since the 2009 air show. Since the team hasn't performed here in five years, it will create a lot of buzz for the air show, according to Petz. He believes that visitors can expect a lot of smiles, excitement and noise.

For Brig. Gen. Patrick Higby, 81st Training Wing commander, the thought of an air show at Keesler brings back fond memories of his childhood.

"I grew up at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, and I grew up going to the air shows there every summer from the time that I was a tyke all the way up until I was in college," said Higby. "That's part of what pumped me up for the air show. I was born into the Air Force and just having that air show feeling, seeing the static displays and talking to the crew and pilots made for some remarkable stories. Visitors to the event will be able to do that next month at the air show."

For more information about the upcoming Keesler Air Show/Open House visit the Keesler Air Show/Open House page.