U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will come to Youngstown in 2017

Staff report

VIENNA

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds announced plans to bring their world-class aerial demonstration team back to the Mahoning Valley for the 2017 Thunder Over the Valley Air Show, June 17-18, 2017.

The announcement was made at the International Council of Air Shows conference in Las Vegas Sunday.

The Youngstown Air Reserve Station here also will host an installation open house June 18, 2016, as a prelude to 2017’s larger-scale event.

Earlier this year, the Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs office approved YARS to host both events, but the 910th waited for the release of the official Thunderbirds 2017 schedule to announce the open house and air show. Both events will be free and open to the public.

Guests of the 2016 Youngstown Air Reserve Station Open House will be able to view and walk through military aircraft while experiencing a snapshot of the U.S. Armed Forces’ mission.

Military ground vehicles, interactive displays and ground demonstrations are also expected to be available for viewing.

The Thunder Over the Valley Air Show, returning for the first time since May 2014, will feature attractions similar to the 2016 open house but will also include a top-notch roster of aerial performances headlined by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.

Maj. Ryan Cooley, a navigator assigned to the 757th Airlift Squadron at YARS, is the 910th’s 2017 air show director.

“We have a great team at YARS that is more than up for hosting large public events like this, and the 910th is excited to host the Thunderbirds again,” Cooley said

The Youngstown Air Reserve Base Community Council, a charitable organization that exists to support Youngstown Air Reserve Station, will sponsor both events.

Col. James Dignan, commander of the 910th Airlift Wing, initiated the 2014 air show and directed his staff to begin planning the 2016 and 2017 events earlier this year.

“We’re looking forward to hosting a couple of great public events to show our community what we do at the 910th,” Dignan said.

For the latest information on the 2016 open house and 2017 air show, visit the 910th’s official website at www.youngstown.afrc.af.mil or follow the 910th at www.facebook.com/Youngstownars, www.youtube.com/YoungstownARS or 910AW on Twitter and Instagram.