1 00:00:04,003 --> 00:00:04,836 - Good morning, everyone. 2 00:00:04,836 --> 00:00:05,669 My name is Captain David J. Murphy. 3 00:00:05,669 --> 00:00:08,380 I'm the Chief of Public Affairs for the 81st Training Wing. 4 00:00:08,380 --> 00:00:11,470 Today we'll be formerly announcing Thunder Over the Sound 5 00:00:11,470 --> 00:00:13,823 the Keesler and Biloxi Air and Space Show. 6 00:00:14,760 --> 00:00:16,940 To my right, you'll see our official logo 7 00:00:16,940 --> 00:00:20,750 as well as the air box for the Thunderbirds. 8 00:00:20,750 --> 00:00:23,330 To my left, you'll see the air box for the all 9 00:00:23,330 --> 00:00:25,263 other performers during the air show. 10 00:00:27,190 --> 00:00:29,160 Today we'll be introducing you to a number of speakers 11 00:00:29,160 --> 00:00:31,570 who will talk to you about the air show that's coming up 12 00:00:31,570 --> 00:00:33,050 and give you any confirmed details 13 00:00:33,050 --> 00:00:34,630 that we can about the airshow. 14 00:00:34,630 --> 00:00:36,953 That's coming up May 4th and 5th, 2019. 15 00:00:38,500 --> 00:00:40,310 Speaking today will be Colonel Lance Burnett, 16 00:00:40,310 --> 00:00:42,610 the 81st Training Wing Vice Commander. 17 00:00:42,610 --> 00:00:45,663 Additionally, the Biloxi mayor, Mayor Andrew FoFo Gilich. 18 00:00:46,610 --> 00:00:48,630 Additionally, we'll happily be greeted 19 00:00:48,630 --> 00:00:50,770 by two Thunderbirds today, the outgoing 20 00:00:50,770 --> 00:00:54,320 Thunderbird Number Eight, Major Brandon Ash Felker 21 00:00:54,320 --> 00:00:57,703 and the inbound Number Eight, Major Jason Flack Markson. 22 00:00:59,070 --> 00:01:01,860 Now before we begin I'd like to show you a brief 23 00:01:01,860 --> 00:01:04,460 promo that we've created to help advertise the show. 24 00:01:05,400 --> 00:01:07,620 - Hi, I'm Colonel Debra Lovette. 25 00:01:07,620 --> 00:01:09,730 I'm the commander of the 81st Training Wing 26 00:01:09,730 --> 00:01:12,530 at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi Mississippi 27 00:01:12,530 --> 00:01:15,520 and I am thrilled to announce that we will be hosting 28 00:01:15,520 --> 00:01:19,270 an air show on May 4th and 5th, 2019 29 00:01:19,270 --> 00:01:21,330 right here at Keesler Air Force Base. 30 00:01:21,330 --> 00:01:23,780 We're excited because this is the first air show 31 00:01:23,780 --> 00:01:26,280 in over four years and so we are thrilled 32 00:01:26,280 --> 00:01:28,023 to host you on our base. 33 00:01:29,162 --> 00:01:32,510 - Hello, I'm Mayor FoFo Gilich of Biloxi. 34 00:01:32,510 --> 00:01:35,000 We had such a great time hosting the Navy Blue Angels 35 00:01:35,000 --> 00:01:38,440 in 2018 that the city invited the Air Force Thunderbirds 36 00:01:38,440 --> 00:01:39,730 to Biloxi for an air show 37 00:01:39,730 --> 00:01:42,742 on the beach May 4th and 5th, 2019. 38 00:01:42,742 --> 00:01:43,575 (record scratches) 39 00:01:43,575 --> 00:01:44,770 - 4th and 5th? 40 00:01:44,770 --> 00:01:47,730 That's the same time we're having our air show, Mayor. 41 00:01:47,730 --> 00:01:50,300 We can't have an air show at the same time. 42 00:01:50,300 --> 00:01:52,150 - But Colonel, we've got the Thunderbirds already set 43 00:01:52,150 --> 00:01:55,140 to fly on the beach, what can we do to fix this? 44 00:01:55,140 --> 00:01:57,990 - For the first time ever Keesler will be partnering with 45 00:01:57,990 --> 00:02:01,020 the beautiful city of Biloxi to host a joint air show. 46 00:02:01,020 --> 00:02:02,640 - That's right, we'll be working together 47 00:02:02,640 --> 00:02:04,640 to give the coast an air show to remember. 48 00:02:04,640 --> 00:02:07,000 On Keesler you'll be able to see aircraft static 49 00:02:07,000 --> 00:02:09,230 displays up close and personal. 50 00:02:09,230 --> 00:02:10,530 - [Colonel Lovette] And in the afternoon, 51 00:02:10,530 --> 00:02:13,320 just a few minutes away from Keesler Air Force Base, 52 00:02:13,320 --> 00:02:15,200 you'll see amazing ariel acts 53 00:02:15,200 --> 00:02:17,420 to include the Air Force Thunderbirds. 54 00:02:17,420 --> 00:02:19,140 - [Mayor Gilich] So join us May 4th and 5th. 55 00:02:19,140 --> 00:02:20,960 - [Both] For Thunder Over the Sound, 56 00:02:20,960 --> 00:02:23,783 the Keesler and Biloxi Air and Space Show. 57 00:02:23,783 --> 00:02:26,283 (light music) 58 00:02:29,263 --> 00:02:31,453 - [Audience Member] Well done, guys, well done. 59 00:02:33,142 --> 00:02:33,975 - All right, thank you. 60 00:02:33,975 --> 00:02:35,600 I'd now like to introduce Colonel Burnette. 61 00:02:37,860 --> 00:02:39,627 - Good morning everybody, I'm Colonel Lance Burnette. 62 00:02:39,627 --> 00:02:42,410 I'm the Vice Commander of the 81st Training Wing 63 00:02:42,410 --> 00:02:43,440 at Keesler Air Force base. 64 00:02:43,440 --> 00:02:45,300 On behalf of Colonel Lovette and the men and women 65 00:02:45,300 --> 00:02:47,810 of Keesler, I'd like to thank you all for being here today. 66 00:02:47,810 --> 00:02:52,810 As we formerly announced the airshow for 4 and 5 May, 2019. 67 00:02:53,130 --> 00:02:55,513 This is gonna be a unique two day air show, 68 00:02:56,400 --> 00:02:58,190 and it'll be the first time that the base 69 00:02:58,190 --> 00:02:59,330 and the surrounding community 70 00:02:59,330 --> 00:03:00,862 have jointly hosted an air show. 71 00:03:00,862 --> 00:03:04,580 It's exciting and challenging event at the same time. 72 00:03:04,580 --> 00:03:07,870 We're truly privileged to have the support of the community 73 00:03:07,870 --> 00:03:10,590 and the Mayor's support and are honored to work 74 00:03:10,590 --> 00:03:12,370 with the city of Biloxi in the Gulf Coast 75 00:03:12,370 --> 00:03:14,253 to put on this amazing air show. 76 00:03:15,350 --> 00:03:17,710 While many of the acts are still being finalized, 77 00:03:17,710 --> 00:03:19,140 I can tell you that we have an assortment 78 00:03:19,140 --> 00:03:21,170 of military and civilian acts 79 00:03:21,170 --> 00:03:24,270 to include single ship and formation acts in addition 80 00:03:24,270 --> 00:03:27,283 to the world famous United States Air Force Thunderbirds. 81 00:03:28,640 --> 00:03:30,070 We're happy to have them back in the area. 82 00:03:30,070 --> 00:03:32,860 First time since 2015 as Captain Murphy said. 83 00:03:32,860 --> 00:03:35,080 So that's gonna be the highlight of the show 84 00:03:35,080 --> 00:03:35,913 and if you've ever seen them, 85 00:03:35,913 --> 00:03:38,633 they put on a fantastic show so get ready for that. 86 00:03:39,490 --> 00:03:42,530 As I mentioned, this show is gonna be a bit unique. 87 00:03:42,530 --> 00:03:44,300 In the morning between 8:30 and 11:30, 88 00:03:44,300 --> 00:03:46,730 we're gonna open up Keesler Air Force Base 89 00:03:46,730 --> 00:03:49,620 to static displays, ground demonstrations, 90 00:03:49,620 --> 00:03:52,630 and some single ship acts over the base 91 00:03:52,630 --> 00:03:55,640 and in the afternoon we'll transition to the beach 92 00:03:55,640 --> 00:03:58,517 at approximately one o'clock and have the formation 93 00:03:58,517 --> 00:04:02,070 and some of the other single ship acts fly over the water. 94 00:04:02,070 --> 00:04:03,620 So we have a great line of sight 95 00:04:03,620 --> 00:04:05,710 and there's plenty of room for everybody to come in 96 00:04:05,710 --> 00:04:07,210 from out of town and see that. 97 00:04:09,650 --> 00:04:12,260 The show center will be near the intersection 98 00:04:12,260 --> 00:04:15,190 of the White Avenue gate and the beach road. 99 00:04:15,190 --> 00:04:17,496 So like I said line of sight all the way down 100 00:04:17,496 --> 00:04:21,410 all the beach west and east to the casinos. 101 00:04:21,410 --> 00:04:24,410 You'll be able to see the formation acts 102 00:04:24,410 --> 00:04:28,890 and they'll be able to perform their entire flight demo 103 00:04:29,870 --> 00:04:32,603 to the, you know to the max, so over the water there. 104 00:04:33,790 --> 00:04:35,605 So we're excited to see everybody out there on again, 105 00:04:35,605 --> 00:04:38,410 May 4th and 5th and I appreciate all the support 106 00:04:38,410 --> 00:04:39,900 the community and all of you for being here today. 107 00:04:39,900 --> 00:04:40,733 Thank you. 108 00:04:41,950 --> 00:04:42,790 Sir. 109 00:04:42,790 --> 00:04:44,097 - Thank you, Colonel. 110 00:04:44,097 --> 00:04:44,930 Thank you Captain Murphey, too. 111 00:04:44,930 --> 00:04:46,340 Thank you everyone for being here today 112 00:04:46,340 --> 00:04:48,380 and this truly is you know the Thunder, 113 00:04:48,380 --> 00:04:52,094 is the main thing that I think that turned me on and just, 114 00:04:52,094 --> 00:04:53,813 you know we are an Air Force town. 115 00:04:55,078 --> 00:04:59,030 As everyone knows but it's really exciting to team up 116 00:04:59,030 --> 00:05:01,313 and with Colonel out there it's pretty cool. 117 00:05:02,310 --> 00:05:05,200 Even though it took about 15-20 takes to do all that but 118 00:05:06,270 --> 00:05:07,600 it turned out well. 119 00:05:07,600 --> 00:05:10,570 But anyway, I'm truly excited that we had some experience. 120 00:05:10,570 --> 00:05:11,480 I've got my cousin Linda Hornsby 121 00:05:11,480 --> 00:05:13,340 from the Hotel and Motel Association. 122 00:05:13,340 --> 00:05:17,960 We had pretty good event in 2018 as we meant. 123 00:05:17,960 --> 00:05:21,431 I don't know, the tourism was turning up but I think-- 124 00:05:21,431 --> 00:05:23,873 - [Linda] 590 is occupancy, 97%. 125 00:05:23,873 --> 00:05:25,567 - 97% that tells you something 126 00:05:25,567 --> 00:05:30,567 and in the May 4 and 5 event is a perfect time too I think 127 00:05:30,830 --> 00:05:32,370 so I mean everybody's ready 128 00:05:33,669 --> 00:05:36,250 to get together, you know in the start of the summer 129 00:05:36,250 --> 00:05:40,630 and I think it's the perfect time but, you know again. 130 00:05:40,630 --> 00:05:44,700 I'm excited for my kids and my grand kids and of course 131 00:05:44,700 --> 00:05:46,820 thank the United States Air Force 132 00:05:46,820 --> 00:05:48,180 for everything its done for Biloxi. 133 00:05:48,180 --> 00:05:51,390 So truly, you know, we try to demonstrate, 134 00:05:51,390 --> 00:05:53,590 over and over and over again. 135 00:05:53,590 --> 00:05:55,290 Hey, we're in this together. 136 00:05:55,290 --> 00:05:57,530 Call them my Keesler cousins 137 00:05:57,530 --> 00:05:59,710 and literally we were talking about 138 00:06:00,610 --> 00:06:02,490 have I ever been to an air show? 139 00:06:02,490 --> 00:06:05,063 I wasn't gonna say a couple things that happened to me. 140 00:06:06,650 --> 00:06:09,120 But you know in the old days, 141 00:06:09,120 --> 00:06:10,580 Armed Forces Day was a big deal 142 00:06:10,580 --> 00:06:13,370 and you know we had two runways at the time 143 00:06:13,370 --> 00:06:16,620 and we were, you know just as kids. 144 00:06:16,620 --> 00:06:20,140 Actually Linda's husband and myself, 145 00:06:20,140 --> 00:06:23,417 we did a lot of things in Keesler during those days. 146 00:06:23,417 --> 00:06:25,917 And sometimes you get arrested for things nowadays 147 00:06:27,060 --> 00:06:29,490 but it was truly just a tremendous 148 00:06:29,490 --> 00:06:31,846 experience to have Keesler as part of my life, 149 00:06:31,846 --> 00:06:33,500 and this part of my life together, 150 00:06:33,500 --> 00:06:36,480 and every young man that comes through Keesler, 151 00:06:36,480 --> 00:06:39,900 we want him to actually you know look 152 00:06:39,900 --> 00:06:42,593 at that part of their adult, 153 00:06:44,630 --> 00:06:48,060 I guess their history as great times here in Biloxi. 154 00:06:48,060 --> 00:06:50,570 And I tell all these generals that look, 155 00:06:50,570 --> 00:06:52,410 if you retire and don't wanna come to Biloxi 156 00:06:52,410 --> 00:06:53,880 then I've done something wrong. 157 00:06:53,880 --> 00:06:56,160 So I take it personally. 158 00:06:56,160 --> 00:06:59,830 So I'm truly excited, thank you Colonel Lovette 159 00:06:59,830 --> 00:07:04,150 and everyone about putting this thing together 160 00:07:04,150 --> 00:07:07,000 and we're excited it's a stadium 161 00:07:07,000 --> 00:07:09,393 and what more beautiful field to perform. 162 00:07:09,393 --> 00:07:11,500 So I thank you Colonel 163 00:07:11,500 --> 00:07:14,270 and I don't know who I should turn it over to yet. 164 00:07:14,270 --> 00:07:15,680 Thank you so much. 165 00:07:15,680 --> 00:07:16,713 - [Both Captains] Thank you, sir. 166 00:07:18,650 --> 00:07:21,780 - How's it going, I'm Major Jason Markson, I go by Flack. 167 00:07:21,780 --> 00:07:23,673 I'm the incoming in Thunderbird Number Eight. 168 00:07:23,673 --> 00:07:25,710 This is Major Brandon Falker. 169 00:07:25,710 --> 00:07:27,170 He is outgoing Number Eight, 170 00:07:27,170 --> 00:07:29,350 and this is my advanced crew chief, 171 00:07:29,350 --> 00:07:33,330 Tech Sergeant Zackery Jones, we call him Jonesy. 172 00:07:33,330 --> 00:07:35,490 But we're just really excited to be out here 173 00:07:35,490 --> 00:07:38,783 and thank you all for welcoming us into this city, 174 00:07:39,650 --> 00:07:41,220 and being here today. 175 00:07:41,220 --> 00:07:43,770 For us its kinda mind blowing, for me but 176 00:07:43,770 --> 00:07:46,630 we're set to come out next year May 4th and 5th 177 00:07:46,630 --> 00:07:49,040 to the Thunder Over the Sound 178 00:07:49,040 --> 00:07:51,420 Keesler and Biloxi Air and Space Show. 179 00:07:51,420 --> 00:07:54,427 Just being here to represent the 660,000 airman 180 00:07:54,427 --> 00:07:57,120 with 60,000 of them being deployed 181 00:07:57,120 --> 00:07:59,840 and showcase the pride and professionalism that 182 00:07:59,840 --> 00:08:02,633 we do everyday and what those airman do everyday. 183 00:08:04,030 --> 00:08:07,100 This will be my first season on the team, 184 00:08:07,100 --> 00:08:10,390 and hopefully I can bring it strong for you all. 185 00:08:10,390 --> 00:08:12,810 And I really like beach shows 186 00:08:12,810 --> 00:08:14,483 so I think its gonna be awesome. 187 00:08:16,560 --> 00:08:18,473 - Now, I'd like to open up for any questions. 188 00:08:20,810 --> 00:08:23,200 - [Audience Member] Will this be an annual event? 189 00:08:23,200 --> 00:08:24,460 - The air show? 190 00:08:24,460 --> 00:08:25,620 - [Audience Member] Yeah, do you think 191 00:08:25,620 --> 00:08:26,640 we'll have it every year? 192 00:08:26,640 --> 00:08:27,839 - Oh, I don't know. 193 00:08:27,839 --> 00:08:29,350 You'll probably have to ask the mayor 194 00:08:29,350 --> 00:08:30,748 and the colonel for that one. 195 00:08:30,748 --> 00:08:32,550 - Yeah, we're definitely perusing more air shows. 196 00:08:32,550 --> 00:08:34,280 For a while there we were kind of on hiatus 197 00:08:34,280 --> 00:08:36,070 due to budget issues and things like that. 198 00:08:36,070 --> 00:08:38,730 So we have to be good consumers of the tax payer dollar, 199 00:08:38,730 --> 00:08:40,460 but at the same time this is something 200 00:08:40,460 --> 00:08:42,400 that we owe the tax payers, to open up the base 201 00:08:42,400 --> 00:08:45,210 and let them see how their money's being spent. 202 00:08:45,210 --> 00:08:47,978 And then the entertainment of seeing aircraft 203 00:08:47,978 --> 00:08:50,354 and what our nation's capable of 204 00:08:50,354 --> 00:08:51,970 is an important part of that 205 00:08:51,970 --> 00:08:55,231 so we're gonna try to do it as often as possible. 206 00:08:55,231 --> 00:08:56,280 - [Audience Member] Thank you. 207 00:08:56,280 --> 00:08:57,900 - [Audience Member] I have a question for Major Felker. 208 00:08:57,900 --> 00:08:58,733 - [Major Falker] Yes, ma'am. 209 00:08:58,733 --> 00:09:00,520 - [Audience Member] How many air shows have you flown 210 00:09:00,520 --> 00:09:02,173 and what will you do next? 211 00:09:03,110 --> 00:09:05,860 - So this, I was on the team for one season 212 00:09:05,860 --> 00:09:09,560 and we had 29 different show sites for just about 213 00:09:09,560 --> 00:09:13,050 50 airshows last season and as the advance pilot, 214 00:09:13,050 --> 00:09:15,010 you don't actually fly in the show 215 00:09:15,010 --> 00:09:17,130 so the advance pilot will preceed the team 216 00:09:17,130 --> 00:09:20,580 by a day or two and do advance work like we're doing now 217 00:09:20,580 --> 00:09:23,860 just making sure the team is ready to arrive at the site. 218 00:09:23,860 --> 00:09:26,360 So helping with the site, make sure that the team has 219 00:09:26,360 --> 00:09:28,040 got everything, all the facilities and equipment 220 00:09:28,040 --> 00:09:30,229 that we'll be using at the show site 221 00:09:30,229 --> 00:09:33,060 and then the air show happens during the weekend. 222 00:09:33,060 --> 00:09:36,820 We'll do media flights so hopefully either hometown heroes 223 00:09:36,820 --> 00:09:38,880 or media personalities we'll fly those individuals 224 00:09:38,880 --> 00:09:42,300 on a Thursday or Friday typically for a show site like this. 225 00:09:42,300 --> 00:09:44,970 And then if we're going to another show site 226 00:09:44,970 --> 00:09:47,880 following the show, then you typically we'll leave early 227 00:09:47,880 --> 00:09:49,300 and head out to the next show site. 228 00:09:49,300 --> 00:09:52,760 So for me next, I'm gonna stay at Nelson Air Force Base 229 00:09:52,760 --> 00:09:54,550 and fly with the 64th Aggressor Squadron 230 00:09:54,550 --> 00:09:57,163 which is what I was doing prior to joining the team. 231 00:09:58,190 --> 00:10:01,010 - [Audience Member] How do you become a Thunderbird? 232 00:10:01,010 --> 00:10:01,843 - Oh, that's a good question. 233 00:10:01,843 --> 00:10:04,950 So there's a couple different routes for the officer side. 234 00:10:04,950 --> 00:10:07,190 There's an application process that you go through. 235 00:10:07,190 --> 00:10:08,830 You get some letters of recommendation, 236 00:10:08,830 --> 00:10:12,140 your whole flying record or your career record. 237 00:10:12,140 --> 00:10:13,490 Submit it. 238 00:10:13,490 --> 00:10:15,330 The officers on the team will kinda sift 239 00:10:15,330 --> 00:10:18,160 through the applications and then bring you out for a show 240 00:10:18,160 --> 00:10:22,260 for your semi-finalist and finalist interviews. 241 00:10:22,260 --> 00:10:24,210 You go through this whole interview process 242 00:10:24,210 --> 00:10:26,290 where you sit in front of the team 243 00:10:26,290 --> 00:10:29,250 while the whole 12 man officer team 244 00:10:29,250 --> 00:10:30,770 and then they kinda pepper you with questions 245 00:10:30,770 --> 00:10:33,100 and you gotta answer them. 246 00:10:33,100 --> 00:10:33,933 Kinda like we're doing now. 247 00:10:33,933 --> 00:10:36,040 - [Mayor Gilich] Did both of y'all go to the academy? 248 00:10:36,040 --> 00:10:37,270 The Air Force Academy? 249 00:10:37,270 --> 00:10:40,362 - So I went to Arizona State University, go Devils. 250 00:10:40,362 --> 00:10:41,460 (laughing) 251 00:10:41,460 --> 00:10:43,940 - I was a 2006 graduate candidate, yes sir. 252 00:10:43,940 --> 00:10:45,197 - [Audience Member] So what was your toughest question, 253 00:10:45,197 --> 00:10:47,620 when they were peppering you with questions? 254 00:10:47,620 --> 00:10:48,530 - Oh boy. 255 00:10:48,530 --> 00:10:50,430 I don't think I'm allowed to talk about that actually. 256 00:10:50,430 --> 00:10:52,408 (crowd laughs) 257 00:10:52,408 --> 00:10:55,120 - [Audience Member] Now we just have the Blue Angels here. 258 00:10:55,120 --> 00:10:57,933 Tell me now, how's this show gonna compare to that? 259 00:10:59,371 --> 00:11:01,067 - [Mayor Gilich] Oh, this is gonna be better. 260 00:11:01,917 --> 00:11:03,133 [Audience Member] Yeah, well. - As the mayor said. 261 00:11:05,440 --> 00:11:07,380 - [Audience Member] That's what you're doing this for. 262 00:11:07,380 --> 00:11:08,850 - We totally respect what those guys do. 263 00:11:08,850 --> 00:11:11,216 We're all in the same business right? 264 00:11:11,216 --> 00:11:13,071 And you know at the end of the day, 265 00:11:13,071 --> 00:11:14,050 we're all on the same team. 266 00:11:14,050 --> 00:11:16,010 Kinda doing the same mission trying to inspire 267 00:11:16,010 --> 00:11:19,240 the younger generation to serve their country. 268 00:11:19,240 --> 00:11:22,090 So I think it's gonna be awesome either way. 269 00:11:22,090 --> 00:11:25,517 - [Audience Member] Just like in 2015, Keesler had buses, 270 00:11:28,680 --> 00:11:31,280 folks get on the buses, go on base, watch the show. 271 00:11:31,280 --> 00:11:33,380 Kinda assuming this will be similar. 272 00:11:33,380 --> 00:11:35,890 - That's right we're gonna have a massive amount of buses 273 00:11:35,890 --> 00:11:38,850 and transportation to be available for everyone. 274 00:11:38,850 --> 00:11:41,020 Both you know from the casinos where the parking is, 275 00:11:41,020 --> 00:11:43,490 into the base and from the base down to the beach as well. 276 00:11:43,490 --> 00:11:46,763 So should be no problem but it will be a constant plug. 277 00:11:49,470 --> 00:11:51,450 - [Audience Member] Can you just talk about 278 00:11:51,450 --> 00:11:56,450 what it's like and how difficult it is to fly these jets 279 00:11:57,860 --> 00:11:59,763 so fast so close together? 280 00:12:01,280 --> 00:12:02,390 - Well, I'll tell ya right now 281 00:12:02,390 --> 00:12:05,090 what the rest of our demonstration pilots are going through, 282 00:12:05,090 --> 00:12:06,310 is the training season. 283 00:12:06,310 --> 00:12:08,850 So it takes a lot to learn how to fly you know 284 00:12:08,850 --> 00:12:11,750 three feet away from another jet that's going 500 knots. 285 00:12:11,750 --> 00:12:14,240 So there's upwards of 80 to 90 286 00:12:14,240 --> 00:12:16,270 training sorites that they have to do 287 00:12:16,270 --> 00:12:19,690 and you start off in a two ship formation 288 00:12:19,690 --> 00:12:21,480 learning to fly that close and then slowly 289 00:12:21,480 --> 00:12:23,954 you start bringing other jets into that formation 290 00:12:23,954 --> 00:12:26,420 until eventually we get our diamond pilots 291 00:12:26,420 --> 00:12:28,043 that will come together and they fly in 292 00:12:28,043 --> 00:12:31,120 this entire diamond formation with four aircraft. 293 00:12:31,120 --> 00:12:33,250 And then eventually we'll bring our solos on board 294 00:12:33,250 --> 00:12:35,140 and the delta will come together 295 00:12:35,140 --> 00:12:37,460 so you have all six aircraft in close formation. 296 00:12:37,460 --> 00:12:38,500 And then it takes, 297 00:12:38,500 --> 00:12:43,223 like I said upwards of 80 to 90 sorites to get that precise. 298 00:12:44,510 --> 00:12:45,343 - [Mayor Gilich] With the coast line, 299 00:12:45,343 --> 00:12:48,630 you know doing it on the beach and so forth, 300 00:12:48,630 --> 00:12:50,180 does that make you feel a little bit easy 301 00:12:50,180 --> 00:12:51,840 or you know as far as landmarks 302 00:12:52,862 --> 00:12:53,858 and things that you do? 303 00:12:53,858 --> 00:12:56,620 Is that easier for you or is it more challenging, you know? 304 00:12:56,620 --> 00:12:58,710 - So every show site is very unique all right. 305 00:12:58,710 --> 00:13:00,389 So with the air over water shows 306 00:13:00,389 --> 00:13:01,881 some of the challenges that we encounter 307 00:13:01,881 --> 00:13:05,220 are the lack of visual references behind the, 308 00:13:05,220 --> 00:13:06,260 what we call behind behind the lines, 309 00:13:06,260 --> 00:13:09,890 so away from the crowd, a show site like this, 310 00:13:09,890 --> 00:13:12,610 there's very limited build up on the beach itself. 311 00:13:12,610 --> 00:13:16,070 Some of the beach shows that we do or have one 312 00:13:16,070 --> 00:13:18,330 like Chicago or Milwaukee, there's lots of tall buildings, 313 00:13:18,330 --> 00:13:19,960 you don't have those challenges here, 314 00:13:19,960 --> 00:13:21,880 but we'll have other challenges with, 315 00:13:21,880 --> 00:13:24,100 like I said the lack of visual resources behind the line 316 00:13:24,100 --> 00:13:27,670 and then just identifying locations with the back bay there 317 00:13:27,670 --> 00:13:30,260 and some of the potentially bird activity as well. 318 00:13:30,260 --> 00:13:31,870 So every show site's unique. 319 00:13:31,870 --> 00:13:33,820 But over the water show's are typically 320 00:13:34,920 --> 00:13:38,020 enjoyable and fly for our demonstration pilots here. 321 00:13:38,020 --> 00:13:39,734 - [Audience Member] Have either one of you been in Keesler 322 00:13:39,734 --> 00:13:43,930 before the one station here, you think, trained here? 323 00:13:43,930 --> 00:13:44,890 - I have not. 324 00:13:44,890 --> 00:13:45,910 - No. - He's not. 325 00:13:45,910 --> 00:13:48,290 Our outgoing Thunderbird Number Three 326 00:13:48,290 --> 00:13:51,060 was a communication's officer and his tech school was here 327 00:13:51,060 --> 00:13:53,510 so he was actually was here at Keesler 328 00:13:53,510 --> 00:13:54,760 for a little bit of time. 329 00:13:58,140 --> 00:13:59,980 - [Audience Member] This is I think if I'm not mistaken. 330 00:13:59,980 --> 00:14:02,680 There was one other time in the past, 331 00:14:02,680 --> 00:14:05,240 Thunderbirds performed over the water. 332 00:14:05,240 --> 00:14:07,280 And this is kinda really the first time 333 00:14:07,280 --> 00:14:09,580 the city and the base has come together 334 00:14:09,580 --> 00:14:11,060 to put the entire air show on. 335 00:14:11,060 --> 00:14:14,420 It used to be, you know maybe just a Keesler event. 336 00:14:14,420 --> 00:14:15,670 Now it's a city wide event. 337 00:14:15,670 --> 00:14:19,400 You see a lot of the armed forces working together 338 00:14:19,400 --> 00:14:21,710 and this is kind of in that same field 339 00:14:21,710 --> 00:14:24,983 except you know in this case it's the city and Keesler. 340 00:14:25,830 --> 00:14:27,200 - Right, that's right. 341 00:14:27,200 --> 00:14:28,750 This is the first time we've done this 342 00:14:28,750 --> 00:14:31,580 and we've kinda discussed the logistical challenges 343 00:14:31,580 --> 00:14:34,730 of doing it but the benefit and the synergy 344 00:14:34,730 --> 00:14:36,500 that we get from working with the city 345 00:14:36,500 --> 00:14:39,990 is amazing and I think we're opening the show up 346 00:14:39,990 --> 00:14:43,790 and exposing the mission to so many more people that way 347 00:14:43,790 --> 00:14:45,280 if we work in the city 348 00:14:45,280 --> 00:14:48,020 so we're happy to have the partnership. 349 00:14:48,020 --> 00:14:50,600 - [Audience Member] Any idea how many additional people 350 00:14:50,600 --> 00:14:53,500 will be able to see the show by putting the Thunderbirds 351 00:14:53,500 --> 00:14:56,320 out on the beach as opposed to when you've had to contain 352 00:14:56,320 --> 00:14:57,895 the entire show on base? 353 00:14:57,895 --> 00:15:00,580 - No estimates that I can give you right now. 354 00:15:00,580 --> 00:15:03,690 I think we had upwards of 80,000 people 355 00:15:03,690 --> 00:15:05,470 in 2015 for the air show. 356 00:15:05,470 --> 00:15:08,702 I would say probably a lot more than that. 357 00:15:08,702 --> 00:15:12,187 - [Audience Member] 150-200,000 over two days 358 00:15:12,187 --> 00:15:13,850 is what's counted. - Right. 359 00:15:13,850 --> 00:15:15,598 - [Audience Member] How many were at the balloon? 360 00:15:15,598 --> 00:15:19,077 - About 150 over 87 I think, 361 00:15:19,077 --> 00:15:22,420 then the rest was on Sunday, so about 150. 362 00:15:22,420 --> 00:15:24,370 - So maybe double? - Yes. 363 00:15:24,370 --> 00:15:25,270 - By that estimate 364 00:15:26,270 --> 00:15:27,410 - [Audience Member] What kind of speeds 365 00:15:27,410 --> 00:15:29,710 are we gonna be seeing from the Thunderbirds 366 00:15:29,710 --> 00:15:33,550 and how high will you go and how low will you go? 367 00:15:33,550 --> 00:15:34,400 - Oh boy. 368 00:15:34,400 --> 00:15:36,890 So we'll be going anywhere 369 00:15:36,890 --> 00:15:39,727 between 500 and 600 miles an hour, right? 370 00:15:39,727 --> 00:15:42,940 And we'll climb up to the top of our tee firing space 371 00:15:42,940 --> 00:15:45,660 which is generally about 15,000 feet AGL 372 00:15:45,660 --> 00:15:48,000 which will be over water so 15000 feet 373 00:15:48,000 --> 00:15:50,930 and then we'll get as low as 374 00:15:50,930 --> 00:15:52,580 probably between two to three hundred feet 375 00:15:52,580 --> 00:15:55,790 above the water which as Ash was saying earlier 376 00:15:55,790 --> 00:15:57,200 can be a little bid difficult 377 00:15:57,200 --> 00:16:01,090 without having those references over the water. 378 00:16:01,090 --> 00:16:03,040 - [Audience Member] Y'all great, that is super. 379 00:16:03,040 --> 00:16:03,873 - Thanks. 380 00:16:05,450 --> 00:16:06,283 - All right, everyone. 381 00:16:06,283 --> 00:16:08,650 Well, this concludes our press conference for today. 382 00:16:08,650 --> 00:16:09,960 I wanna thank you all for coming out. 383 00:16:09,960 --> 00:16:13,250 All of these gentlemen will be standing by 384 00:16:13,250 --> 00:16:15,240 for interview questions or on camera interviews 385 00:16:15,240 --> 00:16:16,460 if you'd like to do that. 386 00:16:16,460 --> 00:16:17,780 Or any other questions you might have. 387 00:16:17,780 --> 00:16:19,270 I wanna thank you all for coming out today. 388 00:16:19,270 --> 00:16:20,760 We truly appreciate your time, 389 00:16:20,760 --> 00:16:23,930 and we hope to have a great air show May 4th and 5th, 2019. 390 00:16:23,930 --> 00:16:24,940 Come on out. 391 00:16:24,940 --> 00:16:26,061 Thank you. 392 00:16:26,061 --> 00:16:28,311 (applause)