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Thunderbirds
Prior to the event, Brig. Gen. Phil Ruhlman, 36th Wing commander, Team Andersen Airshow '09 said the show will showcase the Air Force's ability to fly, fight, and win in air, space, and cyberspace. "Our nation's Air Force," said General Ruhlman, "is committed to guaranteeing global vigilance, reach, and power. The Team Andersen Airshow will highlight the phenomenal capabilities Pacific Air Forces bring to the Pacific region with aircraft, deployable combat systems, and highly trained and competent expeditionary Airmen."
The Team Andersen Airshow was also an opportunity to demonstrate joint teamwork and other service capabilities on Guam. The Navy, Marines, Army, Coast Guard, and Guam National Guard are all expected to participate both with static displays and other aerial events.
The airshow was open free of charge to the Guam community --- as a thank you to all whose support to Team Andersen's mission success is absolutely essential. Fun activities, delicious food, and cultural displays were planned for the approximate 20,000 visitors expected to attend.
The Thunderbirds' last performance at Andersen was in 2004. This year's stop at Andersen is part of a Pacific tour where they will visit sites in Hawaii, Korea, and Japan, to name a few. This year, the Thunderbirds celebrate 55 years of representing the more than 500,000 Airmen, National Guardsmen and Reservists worldwide with pride, professionalism, and precision airmanship required to achieve uncontested air dominance anywhere, anytime.
This will be the first time the F-22A Raptor performed an aerial demonstration at Andersen.
"The F-22As from the PACAF base at Elmendorf, Alaska, bring a phenomenal and exceptionally versatile capability to Pacific Command", said General Ruhlman. "Their strategic deployment to Andersen shrinks the tyranny of distance across the Pacific by forward-basing an unmatched multi-role fifth-generation combat capability. The F-22 Raptor represents a key element of the Air Force's contribution to joint military operations with unquestionable world class air dominance upon which all joint forces rely."
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