Thunderbirds to highlight weekend airshow

The Gunfighter Skies 2008 airshow Sept. 13-14 will feature not only a Sunday performance by the world famous Thunderbirds, but static displays of current and historic aircraft and aerobatics from performers whose planes will go nose over tail, wingtip over wingtip, spinning, falling and diving over MHAFB.

The free show is open to the public. Gates open at 8 a.m., with activities beginning at 11 a.m. Visitors will have access to all three base gates, Grand View, Bruneau and the main gate. The Bruneau gate is closest to the parking area. Signs will direct visitors to both the gate and parking areas and shuttles are available.

Law enforcement officials will be out in force to help handle the traffic flow for the 50,000-60,000 visitors expected to attend the two-day event. Special diversion routes from I-84 on Simco Road and Exit 99 will help move much of the traffic from having to pass through downtown Mountain Home, but any drivers in this area this weekend should expect heavy traffic congestion on any of the main roads leading to the base.

A number of booths well be set up to provide refreshments during the day.

There are some basic rules for attending the show.

Traffic should park only in designated areas (follow the signs). Shuttle services will be provided to and from the parking areas throughout the day.

No alcohol can be brought on base and coolers are prohibited, as well as skate boards.

Those attending the shows are being encouraged to bring chairs and sun screen. Bare feet are strongly discouraged.

Only handicap assistance animals will be allowed on base (call 828-6800 for more details on handicapped assistance).

Sponsored by the 366th Fighter Wing, in conjunction with Silver Wings of Idaho, the 2008 airshow is headlined by the United States Air Force Thunderbirds, F-15E and F-18 aerial demonstrations, heritage flights, the Gunfighter Air Power Demo and Wings of Blue (the U.S. Air Force Academy jump team).

The event llows 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 USAF Thunderbirds air demonstration is a mix of high-octane precision formation flying and solo routines. The USAF Thunderbirds fly the F-16 Fighting Falcon, which represents the full range of capabilities possessed by the Air Force's tactical fighters.

On the civilian side, scheduled to appear are Greg Poe with his Fagen MX-2; Tim Weber with his Extra 300S; Randy Harris and his Skybolt 300, "Bearfeat;" Dan Buchanan, a paraplegic hang glider; and Steve Oliver with his de Havilland Super Chipmunk.

The Gunfighter demonstration with the Idaho Air National Guard is a "dazzling mix of the 366th FW's combat capabilities and pyrotechnics. In the 2005 airshow, the Gunfighters and IDANGs 124th Wing teamed up to show how they dominate the sky and ground in a hail of firepower," McLay said.

The Wings of Blue parachute team is the Air Force's only official parachutist demonstration unit, located at the Air Force Academy.

The F-18 U.S. Navy Demo Team will be showcasing the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet, the Navy's newest and most advanced tactical jet. The F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet is an updated, modernized version of the nation's first strike-fighter.

The F-15E demonstration team will display the Strike Eagle's capabilities as a dual-role fighter designed to perform air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.

Opening ceremonies on both days begin at 11 a.m. with the national anthem and a Wings of Blue parachute jump.

The Pipes and Drums band of the Scottish American Society will peform prior to the opening ceremonies on Sunday.

Exact performance times have not been provided as of press time, but performances will run throughout the day in roughly the following order:

* Gunfighter F-15 Flyby (prior to Airpower Demo).

* Wings of Blue.

* Gunfighter Airpower demonstration with Idaho Air National Guard. *

* Greg Poe (Fagen FX-2).

* Tim Weber (Extra 300S).

* ACC F-15E Demonstration team.

* United States Air Force Heritage Flights (F-4/P-51).

* Dan Buchanan (Hang Glider).

* Steve Oliver (de Havilland Super Chipmunk)

*USN Super Hornet (F-18) Demonstration.

* USN Heritage Flight.

* Randy Harris (Skybolt 300)

* Wings of Blue.

The Thunderbirds will perform their arrival show at approximately 3 p.m. Saturday, and their full show at 3 p.m. on Sunday.