Thunder Over the Red River Air and Space Show 2010 Published April 7, 2010 By 2nd Lt. Chase P. McFarland 319th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, ND -- The 319th Air Refueling Wing is proud to be hosting an air show and open house free to the public at Grand Forks Air Force Base May 22, with gates opening at 9 a.m. The air show, which will be the base's first since 2006, will be highlighted by the performance of the United States Air Force Thunderbirds. Not only will people get to view aerial acts, but throughout the day families will be able to walk through an aircraft display area or "airframe petting zoo," where they can get an up close and personal feel for military aircraft. They will be able to touch, examine and even get to go and sit inside a few of the cockpits! The Grand Forks AFB theme of "Proud History - Bright Future" will be seen throughout the open house, where patrons will get to see the rich history of airframes and air missions that Grand Forks AFB has been and will be a part of. The USAF Thunderbirds roll into their 57th season representing the pride, precision and professionalism of the nearly 700,000 active duty Airmen, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve and civilian Airmen serving around the world. Exhibiting the professional qualities the Air Force develops in its people who fly, maintain, and support the Air Force mission, they perform precision aerial maneuvers demonstrating the capabilities of Air Force high-performance aircraft to people throughout the world. The Thunderbirds are composed of eight pilots, four support officers, and more than 120 maintenance and support personnel from 30 different career fields. In addition to the USAF Thunderbirds, there will be performances by the Special Operations Command Paracommandos Parachute Demonstration Team and the United States Navy F/A-18C Hornet Demonstration team. The Para-Commandos perform precision freefall parachute demonstrations across the United States, informing the public about the Special Operations Command, it's mission, and the great work being performed by the Special Operations Command's Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen deployed to over 100 countries around the world. The United States Navy Demonstration team, the Rough Raiders, hails from Naval Air Station Lemoore, Calif. flying the twin engine, mid-wing, all-weather fighter and attack aircraft, the F/A-18 Hornet. The Hornet is the nation's first true strike-fighter capable aircraft. It was designed for traditional strike aircraft missions without compromising its fighter capabilities. In fighter mode, the F/A-18 is used primarily as a fighter escort and for fleet defense; in its attack mode, it is used for force projection, interdiction, and close air support. Also, performing will be local acts from Kent and Warren Pietsch Aerobatics, Mike Wiskus, John Mohr, and other air demonstrations in aircraft such as a 1942 Interstate Cadet, a 1946 Taylorcraft and a PT-17 Stearman. The air show will also feature non-profit organization informational booths, concessions, child care areas and free fun for the entire family. For more information please contact Public Affairs at (701) 747-7072 or visit the air show website at grandforks.schultzairshows.com.