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Thunderbirds, F-22 Raptor to perform at Team Andersen Air Show '09

  • Published
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
The Air Force's premier aerial demonstration team, the Thunderbirds, and the world's premier fifth-generation fighter, the F-22 Raptor, will perform aerial demonstrations at the Team Andersen Air Show '09 here Sept. 30.

According to Brig. Gen. Phil Ruhlman, 36th Wing commander, the air show will be open free of charge to the Guam community as a thank you to all whose support is absolutely essential to Team Andersen's mission success. Fun activities, delicious food and cultural displays are planned for the approximate 40,000 visitors expected to attend.

With the theme "Air Power over the Marianas", the Team Andersen Air Show will showcase the Air Force's ability to fly, fight and win in air, space, and cyberspace.

"Our nation's Air Force," General Ruhlman said, "is committed to guaranteeing global vigilance, reach, and power. The Team Andersen Air Show will highlight the phenomenal capabilities Pacific Air Forces bring to the Pacific region with aircraft, deployable combat systems, and highly trained and competent expeditionary Airmen."

Along with the F-22 demonstration team, PACAF is providing an F-16 Falcon demonstration team that will perform a solo routine.

The Team Andersen Air Show will also be an opportunity to demonstrate joint teamwork and other service capabilities on Guam. The Navy, Marines, Army, Coast Guard, Guam National Guard, and U.S. Department of Agriculture are participating with ground demonstrations, static displays and other aerial participation.

"The United States Air Force is a trusted and reliable joint partner supporting worldwide joint missions for our Combatant Commanders," General Ruhlman said. "This air show will highlight the joint teamwork and partnership Team Andersen has with other services within the Joint Region Marianas structure here on Guam. It will also showcase those military capabilities that provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in time of need."

Andersen's commitment extends beyond the base's fence. Members of Guam's community are also joining in on the event. In addition to vendors from Andersen, several licensed off-base restaurants are hosting food booths for the air show audience. Chamorro fiesta plates, Thai food and Mexican food will be available along with burgers and hot dogs. Other vendors will be selling smoothies, Guam and air show souvenirs, and military squadron mementos.

The Thunderbirds' last performance at Andersen was in 2004. This year's stop at Andersen is part of a Pacific tour where they will visit sites in Hawaii, Korea and Japan, to name a few. This year, the Thunderbirds celebrate 55 years of representing the more than 500,000 Airmen, National Guardsmen and Reservists worldwide with pride, professionalism and precision airmanship required to achieve uncontested air dominance anywhere, anytime.

This will be the first time the F-22 Raptor will perform an aerial demonstration at Andersen.

"The F-22s from the PACAF base at Elmendorf, Alaska, bring a phenomenal and exceptionally versatile capability to Pacific Command," General Ruhlman said. "Their strategic deployment to Andersen shrinks the tyranny of distance across the Pacific by forward-basing an unmatched multi-role fifth-generation combat capability. The F-22 Raptor represents a key element of the Air Force's contribution to joint military operations with unquestionable world class air dominance upon which all joint forces rely."

More information about the open house will be posted on Andersen's website www.andersen.af.mil as it becomes available.