Dakota Thunder 2009 displays talent, thanks

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Abigail Klein
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Ellsworth B-1B Lancers lead the procession of aerial performances as they blasted past more than 40,000 attendees of the Dakota Thunder 2009 Open House and Air Show May 30 and 31.
 
Ellsworth's open house and air show welcomed attendees to see aerial maneuvers firsthand that demonstrated the U.S. military's air power, select ground operations to provide a closer look at mission support, and servicemembers willing to discuss what they do and why they serve.
 
Visitors of the open house and air show responded enthusiastically as aerial demonstrations continued in the wake of the B-1s. Aerial performances showcased the Air Force Thunderbirds, Army Black Daggers (the U.S. Army Special Operations Command Parachute Demonstration Team), A-10 West Demonstration Team, C-17 Globemaster III, F-22 Raptor, TBM Avenger and others.
 
In addition to aerial demonstrations, static displays were set up to give attendees an up-close look at a cross section of U.S. military aircraft and equipment. Statics of a B-52 Stratofortress, WC-130 Hercules weather reconnaissance aircraft, B-1B Lancer, Army UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter were among the many displays that sprawled the flightline May 30 and 31. 

Displays were also on hand to help provide visitors with a better understanding of the importance of the servicemembers who support the mission from the ground and contribute to readiness. Ground displays included demonstrations by Ellsworth's explosive ordnance disposal Airmen and firefighters.
 
The variety of displays and aerial demonstrations served as a memorable backdrop as a group of future Airmen took their first step toward starting a career in the Air Force as Lt. Col. Greg Thomas, Air Force Thunderbirds commander, administered the oath of enlistment in a ceremony help on the flightline. 

For some of the new recruits, including Robert Luedteke of Rapid City, S.D., the experience itself was overwhelming. 

"The whole thing [enlisting] is already a huge deal," Mr. Luedteke said. "Enlisting during the air show will make it stand out in my memory even more." 

The enlistment ceremony was the precursor to the Thunderbirds' aerial demonstration, which concluded the day's events May 30 and 31. The skill and precision of the pilots, who executed approximately 30 maneuvers in about an hour, helped provide a visual reminder of the U.S. military's air power and dominance.
 
The roar of cheers and waves of applause communicated the crowds' enthusiasm and seemed to express their appreciation for service. That enthusiasm was mirrored by the team who are proud to serve. 

"It's always a very exciting show," said Maj. Tyron Douglas, lead solo Thunderbird No. 5. "We love doing this and it's great to go out and represent the Air Force to all the nation and all of the world."
 
Major Douglas likened the experience of flying the F-16 Fighting Falcon to the feeling an athlete has before a big game.
 
"The first few games you're nervous, but once you get inside the jet, you feel at home," Major Douglas said. "Then you [land] and you see the crowd and the excitement it instilled in them ... it's a good feeling."
 
For air show visitors the experience was equally rewarding.
 
"This is our first time seeing these types of aircraft," said Andrew Maxwell as he and his 3-year-old son, David, walked around an Ellsworth B-1 on display May 31. "Having a chance to see planes up close and seeing what they can do really allow you to see firsthand what they are capable of."
 
Firsthand experiences like this are the goal of an open house and air show. The Ellsworth community spent months of planning, coordinating and working to make this event a reality and provide community members the opportunity to see what happens here.
 
"We appreciate this opportunity to open our base to the community and thank our many sponsors for their support," said event organizers at Ellsworth. "Not only was it a chance to demonstrate air power through aerial demonstrations and the importance of ground support through displays, but it also gave us a chance to build new relationships and reinforce established ones with people in surrounding communities."
 
For more information on operations at Ellsworth, please visit www.ellsworth.af.mil. If you were unable to attend the open house and air show, the South Dakota Air and Space Museum offers an up-close look of the exterior of an Ellsworth B-1B Lancer and numerous other aircraft and other displays representing the Air Force's aeronautical history. For more information about the museum, please visit www.ellsworth.af.mil/museum.asp.