The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds perform during Air Power Day at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Oct. 21. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Brian Ferguson)
The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds perform during Air Power Day at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Oct. 21. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Brian Ferguson)
Two Republic of Korea Air Force Special Operations Forces soldiers parachute the American and Korean flags to the ground after the playing of the U.S. and Korean National Anthems, Oct. 21. The jump was part of the 2009 Air Power Day events. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Brian Ferguson)
Military and civilian spectators take advantage of the food booths during Air Power Day 2009 at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Oct. 21.(U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Brian Ferguson)
A C-17 Globemaster III from Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, takes off from the Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, flightline to perform an aerial demonstration during Air Power Day 2009, Oct. 21. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Brian Ferguson)
U.S. Air Force Thunderbird Commander Lt. Col. Greg Thomas reenlists 14 Airmen stationed in the Republic of Korea during Air Power Day 2009 at Osan Air Base Oct. 21. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Brian Ferguson)
Republic of Korea Air Force Special Operations Forces soldiers parachute to the ground after the playing of the U.S. and Korean National Anthems, Oct. 21. The jump was part of the 2009 Air Power Day events. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Brian Ferguson)
Spectators use video and still cameras to shoot the many aerial demonstrations during Air Power Day 2009 at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Oct. 21. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Brian Ferguson)
A gust of wind waves an American flag as the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, perform during Air Power day at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Oct. 21. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Brian Ferguson)
by Tech. Sgt. Sheri Kangas
51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
10/23/2009 - OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- The base couldn't have ordered better weather--clear blue skies provided an excellent backdrop to watch the Air Force Thunderbirds perform their aerial maneuvers Oct. 21 at Osan Air Base's Air Power Day 2009.
"It's been five years since the Thunderbirds have been in Korea, so it was a real honor having them here," said Col. Mark Mattison, 51st Fighter Wing vice commander. "It was also great to see our neighbors from outside the gates attend the show. We have a great relationship with the Republic of Korea and having so many Korean Nationals attend Air Power day only enforces the tight bond we have."
The vice commander went on to say that it was also his pleasure seeing Team Osan enjoying the day. "It was nice seeing so many military members and their families enjoying the beautiful day. We work hard so when an opportunity like this comes along I'm glad I see so many people enjoy themselves."
While the Thunderbirds were the main event of the day, there were many other activities to keep the crowd entertained. Also showing their capabilities in flight were A-10 Thunderbolts, F-16 Fighting Falcons, a C-17 Globemaster III, U-2 Dragonlady, ROK Air Force KT-1 Woongbee and the Army's AH-64D Apache Long Bow and CH-47 Chinook helicopters.
There were also many ROKAF and U.S. military aircraft and ground displays for attendees to view and learn more about.
Crowds flocked to the many booths offering food and souvenirs. "We more or less targeted the children with our snow cones," said Capt. Antoine Bills, volunteer at the Company Grade Officer's Council booth. "The coffee and hot chocolate was a favorite amongst the adults early in the day, but the snow cones took over popularity as the day wore on." The CGOC raised money to use toward trips and going away gifts for its members.
"It's an honor for us to be here at Osan Air Base in the Republic of South Korea where we enjoy a beautiful relationship between the ROKAF and U.S. Air Force," said Capt. Tyrone Douglas, Thunderbirds #5 lead solo.
The Thunderbirds perform precision aerial maneuvers demonstrating the capabilities of Air Force high performance aircraft to people throughout the world. The squadron exhibits the professional qualities the Air Force develops in the people who fly, maintain and support these aircraft.
This year's Air Power Day commemorated the 51st Fighter Wing's 61st Anniversary and the 61st Anniversary of the Republic of Korea Armed Forces.
