Welcome to “Thunder on the Bay” Published March 25, 2009 By Brig. Gen. Greg Touhill 81st Training Wing commander KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, BILOXI, MISS. -- Welcome to the 2009 Keesler Air Force Base "Thunder on the Bay" Air Show and Open House! We are delighted to be hosting the first air show at Keesler in five years and are extremely honored to invite you -- our community partners and neighbors -- to join us firsthand in personally witnessing the amazing work your United States Air Force and our sister services are doing around the globe for our nation. If you are not familiar with Keesler, it is home to the 81st Training Wing, one of the Air Force's largest wings. Our mission here at Keesler is threefold: we're not only Rebuilding the Base structurally, but we're also rebuilding the pride, the processes and the precision that make our Air Force great. We're Renewing our Community as engaged community partners, and we're Reloading the Air Force with combat ready Airmen trained for any challenge. Having this Air Show and Open House complements all parts of our mission and demonstrates that Keesler is back bigger and better than ever! The Air Force's premier demonstration team, the Air Force Thunderbirds, and the Army's Golden Knights will headline our air show. In addition to military airpower of past and present, you'll witness incredible civilian aircraft acts and get to take a close look at the many static aircraft parked on the airfield. While you're looking at the aircraft, I encourage you to take a moment to meet with our Airmen. Ask them about their aircraft, their jobs and their military experiences -- I'm confident that given the chance to speak with these fine young men and women, you'll understand that our security is assured well into the future. We enjoy a tremendous partnership with our Mississippi Gulf Coast community. Your friendship and unparalleled hospitality gives us strength and is the vital ingredient that makes it possible for our Airmen to accomplish the mission. Thank you for your outstanding support! To assist you in enjoying your day to the fullest, please remember to prepare for a day in the sun by staying hydrated, using sunscreen, bringing chairs, sunglasses and ear protection, and making safe decisions. Thank you for coming out to "Thunder On the Bay" 2009. Enjoy the show!