Gunfighter Skies 2011

MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho – Team one of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds performs preflight checks prior to their take off here Sept. 18. The Thunderbirds performed during Gunfighter Skies 2011, which was a two day open house for the public. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Angelina Drake)

Gunfighter Skies 2011

MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho – The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds mingled with the crowd to sign autographs and encourage Air Force recruits during Gunfighter Skies 2011 here Sept. 18. The Thunderbirds educated the attendees of the Open House of the mythology that inspired the Thunderbird, which is painted on the bottom of each of their aircrafts. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Angelina Drake)

Gunfighter Skies 2011

MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho – Pyrotechnics explode as part of one of the numerous aerial demonstrations preformed during Gunfighter Skies 2011 here Sept. 18. Over 50,000 people attended in order to catch a glimpse of the Air Force’s air power. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Angelina Drake)

Bold Tigers boom freedom during final day of international exercise

A 391st Fighter Squadron F-15E Strike Eagle prepares to pop defensive flares during a close-air support mission during exercise Mountain Roundup 2013, at Saylor Creek bombing range near Mountain Air Force Base, Idaho, Oct. 16, 2013. The exercise kicked-off Sept. 30 and ended Oct. 16, and the goal was simple: everyone involved hoped to provide more-integrated and proficient combined-joint forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Kevin Wallace/RELEASED)

Thunderbirds set for Gunfighter Skies Sept. 20, 21

Published Dec. 17, 2013
366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds, has released their 2014 Show Season Schedule revealing they will be the feature of Gunfighter Skies open house here Sept. 20 and 21.

During the two-day event, the community will witness the capabilities of the Air Force's high performance aircraft and learn more about the Airmen and aircraft executing the mission of the 366th Fighter Wing, including the F-15E. The F-15E Strike Eagle is a dual-role fighter designed to perform air-to-air and air-to-ground missions with the capability to fight at low altitude, day or night and in all weather.

As the highlight of Gunfighter Skies, the Thunderbirds will perform precision aerial maneuvers with a mix of formation flying and solo routines. The pilots perform approximately 30 maneuvers in a demonstration, displaying the maximum capabilities of the F-16 Fighting Falcon. The entire show, including ground and air, runs about 75 minutes.

Each open house has a theme to celebrate the distinctiveness of the event. The theme for 2014 Gunfighter Skies has not yet been determined, and MHAFB wants the community to help. Past air show themes include: "Global Warriors ... Hometown Heroes" and "Patriots & Warriors United!" These themes recognize the dedication of American Airmen and Republic of Singapore personnel, as well as the base's strong link to the local community and region.

Open houses are for local communities, and MHAFB wants their involvement from the very beginning. To submit theme ideas for September's scheduled show, e-mail 366FW/PA.Public.Affairs@us.af.mil or post a facebook message at www.facebook.com/mountainhome.af.mil. The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, Jan. 1.

The 2014 Gunfighter Skies will be free and open to the public. It is just one way MHAFB can say "thank you" to community members for their continued support, and we look forward to hosting them in September. Schedules, further aerial performances and additional information will be announced as it becomes available.