All Systems "Go" For Keesler Air Show "Thunder On The Bay"

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KEESLER AFB, MISS. --  'Thunder on the Bay,' the base's first air show since April 2004 comes to Keesler April 4-5, 2009.
 
"We are excited to be hosting the first air show at Keesler Air Force Base in five years," said Brig. Gen. Greg Touhill, 81st Training Wing commander. "We have organized a dedicated air show committee who are working diligently to solidify two days of amazing aerial acrobatics as well as impressive static display aircraft."
Specifics on the air show performances and displays are still in negotiations, but the air show committee recently conducted a base-wide vote for the air show's slogan. The winning slogan, 'Thunder on the Bay,' submitted by Capt. William Fields of the 45th Airlift Squadron, arose victorious as the choice of the base. 

"We had a great response from the base when we announced we were in the planning stages for an air show in early 2009 and needed a slogan. I wanted this to be something our Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and civilians could play a part in," said the general. "More than 220 submissions were accepted and nearly 1,100 votes later, we had our slogan. This shows to me the men and women of Keesler are excited to be involved in bringing this event to fruition. We are working to solidify our line-up of aircraft and display teams right now and each day we make strides closer to secure what we think will be the best show to date and give us a chance to show off the amazing reconstruction that has taken place across Keesler."
General Touhill also said that having the air show helps accomplish the base mission. 

"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 made our Air Force great; we're Renewing our community who support us so wonderfully and we're Reloading the Air Force with combat ready Airmen trained for any challenge. Having this Open House and Air Show complements all parts of our mission and will demonstrate that Keesler is back."
 
He admitted that hosting an air show is a lot of work, but is confident it will be a show to remember.
 
"While putting on a show of this scope is a lot of work, the men and women of Keesler amaze me day in and day out with the feats they accomplish," said the general. "I know they will come through and this event will not only be a wonderful demonstration of what Keesler and the Air Force is capable of, but it's fun too. We have a lot to celebrate and we welcome our neighbors to come and celebrate with us." 

More information concerning 'Thunder on the Bay' will be released by the 81st TRW public affairs office as it becomes available, to include the aerial acrobatic teams, static displays and logistics associated with getting spectators to and from the base.