News

Thunder Over Dover Open House wraps up first day

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Aaron J. Jenne
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Team Dover opened its gates for nearly 30,000 Delmarva residents today, the first day of the Thunder Over Dover Open House and Airshow.

The installation’s last event of this magnitude was held in 2009, and the last one held on base was in 1994.

“The place was packed today,” said Lt. Col. Ryan Orfe, Thunder Over Dover Open House director. “We were really proud of the turnout. We hope to do even better tomorrow. The performers really nailed it today, and I know they’re going to bring the same professionalism and enthusiasm to tomorrow’s show. All of our volunteers were on point, and the whole team really came together.”

The event showcased the heritage of American air power from World War II to present day with static displays and aerial performances including a P-51D Mustang, a B-2A Spirit and a B-25J Mitchell. The Thunderbirds also demonstrated the exceptional precision Air Force pilots bring to today’s fight.

“It was a good show,” said Zenowy Bojczuk, a Department of Defense logistics specialist from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. “The Thunderbirds were awesome, and it’s even more impressive when you get to watch them from an actual Air Force base. We’ve been to several airshows, and this is definitely unique because of all the [static] planes we got to explore. We’re really glad we had the opportunity to come.”

Many of the performances showcased the abilities of both aircraft and aircrews, including the performances by the 436th Airlift Wing’s own C-5M Super Galaxies and C-17 Globemaster IIIs. Other performers provided a different style of entertainment.

Jive Kirby of Wild Blue RV-8 Aerobatics and Jerry Conley of Vampire Aerobatics were just two of the handful of aerial acrobatics performances that wowed the crowd.

At the close of the evening, eight civilians took the oath of enlistment, committing to military service during an enlistment ceremony led by the Thunderbirds.

Overall, the first day of the Thunder Over Dover Open House and Airshow delivered a variety of attractions for the masses to enjoy. Officials say they are excited to see what tomorrow holds.

“If you spent the day in the static planes, come back tomorrow and see what happens in the sky, and if you were watching the sky all day, come back and check out the great displays,” Orfe said. “This definitely could be a two-day event for everyone. We’re glad everyone came out to spend time with us today, and we look forward to meeting those who come to join us tomorrow.”