Thunder hits Grand Forks AFB

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rachel Martinez
  • 319th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Although the day began with some rain showers, the weather cleared to make way for the Thunder Over the Red River Air Show at Grand Forks Air Force Base May 22.

The day started with opening remarks from Col. Don Shaffer, 319th Air Refueling Wing commander, welcoming the local community to the base.

Heads were tilted towards the sky as the United States Special Operations Command Parachute Team parachuted into the Air Show displaying the American Flag.

As the flag got closer to the more than 31,000 spectators in attendance, the Star-Spangled Banner was sung by Airman 1st Class Tiemoesha King, 319th Medical Operations Squadron.

The day progressed with comical routines from various air show acts. At one point, Colonel Shaffer joined an act by performing with the Kent Pietsch Deadstick Demonstration.

The Air Show continued with demonstrations from the KC-135 Stratotanker, B-1B Lancer, C-17 Globemaster III, U.S. Navy F/A-18C Hornet and a PT-17 Stearman, just to name a
few of the aerial demonstrations.

In between the demonstrations, the spectators were able to look at and interact with various static displays of military and civilian aircrafts.

The highlight of the Air Show was the performance of the United States Thunderbirds Aerial Demonstration Team.

Throughout the crowds exclamations of amazement and awe could be heard as the Thunderbird's demonstration progressed.

This Air Show was the first air show held at Grand Forks AFB since 2006.