Thunderbirds are go!
The Minot Air Force Base Northern Neighbors Day Air & Space Show returns August 4 to thrill and delight audiences young and old, military and civilian, be they from the United States or their neighbours to the north.
Major Richard Sandwick is looking forward to his first time directing the air show. “We’re looking forward to a good snow this year,” he says.
Sandwick says that it is especially exciting to be able to welcome Canadians, the airbase and North Dakota’s neighbours to the north. “The Canadians are all invited. It’s great to include everyone,” he says.
There will be numerous ground displays of various aircraft, as well as demonstrations, including the 3-D models of a B-52 aircraft created by local students in the Star base program, in which students learn about space and the properties of matter.
But, most eyes will be skyward, watching the various demonstrations and fly overs. While the highlight of the show will be the Thunderbirds, the U.S. Air Force’s precision aerobatic team, Canadians will be especially interested in the CF-18 from Cold Lake, AB.
Minot Air Force Base is home to two wings and the U.S. Air Force’s only base with two components of the nuclear triad. The 5th Bomb Wing’s B-52H Strat fortress bombers serve as part of the Air Force’s strategic and conventional combat force and the 91st Missile Wing is one of three intercontinental ballistic missile wings in the Department of Defense.
Gates open at 9 a.m. Saturday morning for viewing of all the static displays, with the Air Show starting at noon.
Air Show guests are reminded that there is increased security on base. Only purses and diaper bags will be allowed in the air show area. Personal items should not be left unattended at any time. To ensure safety, all visitors will also be subject to an inspection. Guests are also encouraged to be aware of their surroundings and to report any suspicious persons or activities.
Pets (excluding service animals), bicycles, skateboards, roller-blades, alcoholic beverages, glass containers, coolers, knives, box cutters or weapons of any kind are not allowed on the base airfield. There is also a no smoking rule on the flight line, which is strictly enforced.
For any further information, visit http:// www.minot.af.mil/Home/Community-Relations/Open-Houses-and-Air-Shows. Or download the Team Minot app on iTunes.