Keesler welcomes Thunderbirds two-member advance team Published Feb. 9, 2015 81st Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- The Thunderbirds Advance pilot, Maj. Scott Petz and his crew chief, along with the air show ground operations director, Lt. Col Kyle Tate, will be available for interviews at Keesler 4:30 p.m. Wednesday near base ops. The visit is part of a site survey in preparation for the Keesler Air Force Base Air Show and Open House, March 28-29. This is the U.S. Air Force Demonstration Squadron Thunderbirds first appearance at Keesler since 2009. Media will require escorted base access. If you wish to attend this event please contact the 81st Training Wing Public Affairs office at 228-377-2783 or e-mail 81trw.pa@us.af.mil by 2 p.m. Feb 11.