By rssfeeds-admin 
The United States Air Force Thunderbirds Demonstration Team will make a return to the airshow after a decade-long absence from the Key City. Major Zachary Taylor, also known as Thunderbird 32, shared that the visit to Dyess Air Force Base on Wednesday was part of the team’s meticulous preparations for the event.
“The team is actually deployed in the middle of the desert in New Mexico, flying twice a day, seven days a week, to get ready. I am here to make sure that when they get here, everything’s safe, whether that’s an obstacle that you wouldn’t expect to see on the map or airfield layout. We’re looking at runway conditions, taxiway conditions,” Taylor explained.
The Thunderbirds serve as a representation of the Air Force, showcasing its excellence and capabilities. The team plans to feature a variety of aircraft, formations, and precision maneuvers during the show. Major Taylor emphasized that their work is a precise science, reflecting the dedication and skill of the Air Force.
“It takes a team of 135 people to get the six jets airborne. You’re in two cities every week, flying daily in formations too close for comfort. 18 inches is very, very close,” Taylor said. “We’re going to show you the pride, the precision, and the professionalism of the United States Air Force through an aerial display.”
For the show to happen, the planes can’t simply arrive on the day of the event. Captain Hannah Durbin, from the 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs, explained that careful logistical planning is essential to make it all happen seamlessly.
“Normally, we host B-1 Bombers in the C-130 cargo aircraft here, and we’re going to have at least ten different types of aircraft that we don’t normally support. So, we just have to make sure that the runway is ready and that we have hangar space available for the aircraft that require it. It’s a huge security lift to make sure that everything stays protected and that the air show remains safe,” Durbin said.
The airshow is set for April 19 and 20 and will be open to the public. Both days are set to feature the same schedule of events, ensuring everyone has a chance to enjoy the show. Captain Durbin added that this event provides a rare opportunity for the community to experience something typically restricted from public view.
“We get to open our gates to the local community and invite thousands of people that normally don’t get access to the base and to see what we do on to the base. Normally, you have to have someone sponsor you and come on. But here we’re saying, please come out to our shows,” Durbin said.
Click here for more details about the ‘Wings Over West Texas’ Airshow. More information is expected to be released as the airshow gets closer.
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