Thunderbirds to appear at proposed spring air show at YARS

Staff report

VIENNA

The Air Force Thunderbirds aerial jet demonstration team’s 2014 show schedule includes appearances May 17-18 as part of the Youngstown Air Reserve Station’s proposed 2014 Thunder Over the Valley air show.

Originally planned for summer 2014, YARS leadership decided to adopt the May 17-18 dates to accommodate the possibility of a Thunderbirds appearance, base officials said.

After the cancellation of their 2013 show seasons because of sequestration, the Navy’s Blue Angels and the Thunderbirds, known as America’s Ambassadors in Blue, both are back to flying with limited show seasons in 2014.

The 910th Airlift Wing at YARS has been planning a 2014 air show and open house since late 2012, and it is still in the approval process. But the prospect of hosting the world’s premier aerial jet demonstration team in 2014, is exciting, said Air Force Reserve Col. James D. Dignan, 910th commander.

“We are proud to have the opportunity to welcome the Thunderbirds to Youngstown and are excited for the opportunity to show off our world-class facilities and personnel,” Dignan said.

The 2009 Thunder Over the Valley air show, which also featured the Thunderbirds, provided a chance for the 910th to demonstrate its mission and display Air Force capabilities for tens of thousands of spectators, he said.

The aerial jet team announced its schedule Thursday at the International Council of Air Shows in Las Vegas.