Keesler hosts Thunderbirds for air show Published Dec. 16, 2008 By Airman 1st Class David Salanitri Keesler News Editor KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, MISS. -- It's official! The Air Force's aerial demonstration team, the Thunderbirds, are coming to the Thunder on the Bay air show and open house, April 4-5 on base. The Thunderbirds are only one of many groups who will be performing. Other performers include the Army Golden Knights and the Air Force Academy Wings of Blue parachute teams, the War Birds, and the Air Force Academy Acro team. "We are extremely proud that the Thunderbirds have selected Keesler Air Force Base as part of their 2009 performance schedule," said Col. Chris Valle, 81st Training Wing vice commander. The air show and open house, which are open to the public, are the first Keesler has hosted since 2004, and the first time the Thunderbirds have performed at Keesler in 15 years. Project officials anticipate 50,000-100,000 people will attend the event. The base, which started planning for the air show a year in advance, took several things into consideration. "We have and will continue to conduct exercises to prepare the base and local/regional emergency response personnel. Exercises may include aircraft mishap, downed parachutists, and other scenarios which could impact our guests," said 1st Lt. Laura Chighizola, co-project officer. Not only will aircraft and jump teams be providing entertainment, but vendors will be in the area to provide refreshments and other amenities. "All who wish to become a vendor will have to register with the non-appropriated funds agency here and are highly encouraged to participate," said Justin Cooper, co-project officer. To register with the NAF agency contact Dave Bowers at 377-0002. General admission to the Thunder on the Bay air show is free. The public can gain access to the installation by meeting at designated areas where a shuttle service will transport people to the viewing area. Time and locations will be announced closer to the air show/ open house. "Your Air Force has invested significantly in rebuilding Keesler after Hurricane Katrina, and we are honored to invite our community partners and neighbors to join us firsthand in seeing that Keesler is indeed back," said Colonel Valle.