Base airshow approaching

In less than a month, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds aerial demonstration team will return to Mountain Home as the base opens its gates to the public Sept. 13 and 14 for Gunfighter Skies 2008.

Gates open to the public at 8 a.m. both days with aerial events following at 11 a.m. Admission and parking for Gunfighter Skies is free to the public.

The two-day event, hosted by the 366th Fighter Wing and Silver Wings of Idaho, allows Mountain Home Air Force Base to say "thank you" to the surrounding communities for the support they show the base every day, said Maj. Sean McLay, Gunfighter Skies air operations director.

This year's theme, "Patriots and Warriors United," allows the community to "get a glimpse of the pride and professionalism of America's finest," he added.

"The premier performance this year is the amazing U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration team, which soars overhead Sept. 14," Major McLay added. The Thunderbirds will arrive at approximately 3 p.m. on Saturday, with their main performance scheduled at 3 p.m. on Sunday.

Other aerial performances scheduled both days include shows by the U.S. Air Force Academy Wings of Blue parachute team, Air Combat Command Demonstration Team and the U.S. Navy FA-18 Demonstration Team as well as a heritage flight featuring vintage World War II and current military aircraft.

During the two-day event, the base will showcase the F-22 Raptor -- the Air Force's next generation air-to-air and air-to-ground fighter -- along with a variety of military and civilian aircraft on static display.

Among the aircraft currently scheduled for public display include the B-25 Mitchel1, TBM Avenger, P-51 Mustang, F-15C Eagle and F-15E Strike Eagle, AN-2 Colt, T-38 Talon and a cargo jet from Federal Express. An assortment of U.S. military combat vehicles also are scheduled for static display.