Staff Sgt. John King, a tactical aircraft maintainer, inspects a U.S. Air Force Thunderbird at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson on Wednesday. The demonstration team will perform this weekend during the Arctic Thunder Open House. (Bill Roth / ADN)
Every other year, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson opens its doors to over 300,000 people for aerial demonstrations, 30 acres of military inventory, dedicated STEM-exploration hangars for kids and more. Taking to the skies will be the Air Force Thunderbirds; rock 'n' roll airshow man Will Allen; Red Bull pilot Kirby Chambliss; aviator, educator and comedian Kent Pietsch; and other world-class high-fliers.
Keep in mind that there are entry restrictions in order to get on base: Make sure you don't bring any pets (with the exception of service animals), umbrellas, backpacks, duffel bags or large purses. For a full list of restrictions and for a detailed schedule, visit arcticthunderopenhouse.com. The event runs from 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. (The Boniface and Richardson gates will be open for public entry.)
The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds arrived at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson on Wednesday after a five-hour flight from their home base at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. (Bill Roth / ADN)
(Bill Roth / ADN)
(Bill Roth / ADN)
(Bill Roth / ADN)
Thunderbirds commander/leader Lt. Col. Kevin Walsh arrives at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. (Bill Roth / ADN)
The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will perform on Saturday and Sunday during the Arctic Thunder Open House. (Bill Roth / ADN)
(Bill Roth / ADN)
Pilots gather for a quick meeting after the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration squadron arrived at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. (Bill Roth / ADN)
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