On behalf of the men and women of Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, welcome to this year’s “Thunder and Lightning over Arizona†Open House. We are honored to have you here as our guests. Our goal is to make your visit with us as enjoyable as possible. This year’s show will prove to be an exciting event for the whole family.
This year’s theme, “Celebrating 100 Years of Statehood,†signifies the long-standing history and mutual support we share with the state of Arizona. Our mission is to supply attack airpower, provide expeditionary combat support, and highly-trained medical forces for worldwide deployment to combatant commanders. We train and equip highly-skilled A-10C pilots to meet the Combat Air Forces, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve requirements. Davis-Monthan also provides support to 12th Air Force operations, an Air National Guard aerospace control alert mission, four combat operations groups, and the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group.
Our open house team has put together an impressive array of displays highlighting our nation’s combat capability. You will witness the unparalleled teamwork of the Air Force Thunderbirds as they demonstrate aerobatic capability of the F-16. The United States Air Force Academy Wings of Blue Jump Team is also among our many performers. Our own A-10s, HH-60s and C-130s will demonstrate their unique capabilities with a Combat Search and Rescue demonstration. These are just a few of the outstanding acts you will see during your visit.
At any given time, the Desert Lightning Team has approximately 1,000 men and women deployed to 30 different locations throughout the world. As you look around the airfield today, you will see your nation’s finest working the open house. I encourage you to approach the uniformed service members and learn more about them and what they do. You are sure to find individuals who recently deployed in support of combat operations right here from our base. Each of them has a story to tell and pride in serving their country.
Again, welcome to “Thunder and Lightning Over Arizona†Open House and to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. We hope you enjoy your weekend with us as we display your nation’s combat air power. Thank you for your continued support of Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and of our great Airmen.
