Laughlin UPT graduate, now an AF Thunderbird, returns to promote Oct. air show Published Jan. 7, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Blake Mize 47th Flying Training Wing public affairs LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- For the first time in its history, Laughlin will host a two-day air show Oct. 15 and 16 and will open its gates to the general public so they can take part. The Air Force Thunderbirds, the world-famous air demonstration squadron from the 57th Wing at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, are scheduled to display their aeronautical skills for all of Southwest Texas to behold. One of the Thunderbirds' eight current pilots landed a signature red, white and blue F-16 aircraft at Laughlin's flight line Jan. 6 with a group of local media waiting. Before landing though, the Laughlin graduate gave a small glimpse into what air show patrons can expect by zooming by before pointing the nose of the aircraft straight up and quickly banking left to turn around and land. Capt. Kristen Hubbard, Thunderbirds advance pilot and narrator, was here to promote the coming show and to perform a site survey. "I'm going around setting the groundwork for the air shows we're doing this season. We travel across the country and we're going to Europe this year," said Captain Hubbard, who graduated from Laughlin's Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training program in 2004. The Laughlin show will be one of many the Thunderbirds perform this year. "Typically we do about 70 shows a year in about 30 different locations. Last year we did 73 shows in 23 different states," said the captain. "We're on the road about 200 days out of the year." Even with the hectic schedule, Captain Hubbard described her Thunderbird experience as rewarding. "I really enjoy the opportunity to represent the men and women of the Air Force," she said. "It is a great responsibility and one that we don't take lightly." Captain Hubbard also made the time to visit and speak at Del Rio High School Junior ROTC class during her short stay. Colonel Michael Frankel, 47th Flying Training Wing commander, said the air show and the planned entertainment to follow will be one of the largest events of the year in the Del Rio area. "This is one of our number one priorities. We want to give back to the people. We are so very lucky to have such a supporting community," Colonel Frankel said. The Thunderbirds are also scheduled to fly public shows at the following AETC Bases: Mar 19 - 20 Luke AFB, Ariz. Mar 26 - 27 Tyndall AFB, Fla.