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Thunderbirds, F-22A Raptor to perform at Team Andersen Airshow '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 USAF F-22A Raptor, will perform aerial demonstrations at the Team Andersen Airshow '09 here Sept. 30, 2009.

According to Brig. Gen. Phil Ruhlman, 36th Wing commander, Team Andersen Airshow '09 will showcase the Air Force's ability to fly, fight, and win in air, space, and cyberspace.
"Our nation's Air Force," said General Ruhlman, "is committed to guaranteeing global vigilance, reach, and power. The Team Andersen Airshow 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."

The Team Andersen Airshow will also be an opportunity to demonstrate joint teamwork and other service capabilities on Guam. The Navy, Marines, Army, Coast Guard, and Guam National Guard are all expected to participate both with static displays and other aerial events.

"The United States Air Force is a trusted and reliable joint partner supporting worldwide joint missions for our Combatant Commanders," said General Ruhlman. "This airshow 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."

The airshow will be open free of charge to the Guam community---as a thank you to all whose support to Team Andersen's mission success is absolutely essential. Fun activities, delicious food, and cultural displays are planned for the approximate 20,000 visitors expected to attend.

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-22A Raptor will perform an aerial demonstration at Andersen.

"The F-22As from the PACAF base at Elmendorf, Alaska, bring a phenomenal and exceptionally versatile capability to Pacific Command", said General Ruhlman. "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. More information about the
Thunderbirds is available at http://thunderbirds.airforce.com.