Help make Thunder Over Valley high-flying success

All eyes will be glued to the skies over the Youngstown air base this weekend for the return of the singularly sensational spectacle of awe-inspiring Thunder.

Yes, the long wait is finally over. For the first time in three years, the internationally acclaimed Thunderbirds aerial jet demonstration team of the U.S. Air Force will return for two Thunder Over the Valley shows at the Youngstown Air Reserve Station in Vienna from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. today and Sunday.

So run, don’t walk, to the nearest shuttle bus to transport you to this high-flying aerial extravaganza. (Check Vindy.com for a list of shuttle sites and times of operation. No public parking will be permitted at the airport or air base.)

Another perk for all who have the good sense to attend is that the air show and transportation to it are free of charge to the public, courtesy of the Air Force, the Youngstown Air Reserve Base Community Council and a long list of community-minded volunteers, sponsors and community partners.

ABOUT THE THUNDERBIRDS

For those who have not witnessed the stunning aerobatic artistry of the Thunderbirds in their F-16 Fighting Falcons, you won’t want to miss this opportunity. The Thunderbirds are in high demand worldwide. In fact, just a few weeks from now, they’ll be featured in the national Bastille Day celebration in Paris.

Though The Thunderbirds’ show is the headline attraction, there is so much more to wow spectators throughout the day both on the ground and in the air. Among those listed on the air show’s website [youngstownairshow.com] are:

The U.S. Air Force Drill Team: Its performance features a professionally choreographed sequence of show-stopping weapon maneuvers, precise tosses, complex weapon exchanges and a walk through the gauntlet of spinning weapons.

Team Fastrax: This aerial act owns and routinely performs with what it bills as the largest American flag ever flown under a parachute. This colossal Stars and Stripes measures in at more than 7,800 square feet and can be seen for more than 35 miles when flown.

Fighter MiG-17 jets: These aircraft made famous during the Vietnam War served as the primary jet our servicemen flew over Southeast Asia. They carried bombs, rockets, fuel tanks and personnel.

In addition to those and many other scheduled acts, the air show also provides a golden opportunity for Mahoning Valley residents to get up close and personnel with the largest Defense institution in our region and a prime cog in our local economy.

Included in the show is a demonstration of the Lockheed C-130H Hercules transport and cargo planes based at YARS. Each aircraft can carry more than 36,500 pounds of cargo or as many as 92 combat troops.

All in all, Thunder Over the Valley offers a great day of family fun, education and entertainment at little or no expense. It also celebrates the importance of the Air Force Reserves to our community. That celebration alone warrants an enthusiastic turnout of tens of thousands.