Thunder in the Desert

Chief Master Sgt. Randall Raper, 56th Fighter Wing command chief, and his wife, Michelle Helms-Raper, stand before a P-51D model Mustang during the Luke Days 2009 Kick Off Hangar Party held at Hangar 431 March 20. The "D" model Mustang was flown by retired Maj. Jim Brooks, an honorary guest at the Hangar Party. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Ronifel Yasay)

Thunder in the Desert

A C-17 Globemaster III cargo aircraft performs a short landing demonstration for the crowd at the 2009 Luke Thunder in the Desert Air Show on March 22.The air show featured static displays of aircraft, aerial performances of military and civilian aircraft, and a performance by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds Aerial Demonstration Team. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Ian Dean)

Thunder in the Desert

Nine Luke members took the oath to support and defend the constitution of the United States during the re-enlistment ceremony in front of the Air Force's Air Demonstration squadron, Mar. 19. Lt Col Greg Thomas, the Thunderbirds commander administered the oath to the airmen. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech Sgt. Raheem Moore)

Thunder in the Desert

Maj. Tyrone Douglas, Thunderbirds lead solo pilot, signs an autograph for an enthusiastic fan when the Thunderbirds meet with Make-a-wish children from the local area on March 20. More than 150 children and their families had an opportunity to meet with the pilots. (U.S. Air Force photo Tech. Sgt. Raheem Moore)

Thunder in the Desert

Retired U.S. Air Force Major Ralph Wandrey autographs a poster for Ransom Trueman, the son of 1st Lt. Frederick Trueman, commander of the 56th Equipment Maintenance Squadron Fabrication Flight, during the Wing Warrior Call held in Hangar 431 before the 2009 Luke Days kick off party, March 20. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Tracie Forte)

Luke 'Thunder in Desert' highlights Air Force past, present

Published March 24, 2009

LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- Luke Air Force Base's 2009 Thunder in the Desert Open House and Air Show took place Saturday and Sunday to publicly demonstrate a variety of the U.S. Air Force capabilities.

During the event, visitors saw the history of the Air Force in the numerous static airplane displays set up on the flightline. From vintage aircraft to the newest in the Air Force inventory, guests caught a glimpse of yesterday's and today's American air power.

More than 200,000 visitors witnessed aerial demonstrations by military and civilian air teams including the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the ACC F-22 Raptor demonstration team, the A-10 West demo team, Ed Hamill Air Shows, Tim Weber Air Shows, Bill Reesman, Kirby Chambliss, Younkin Air Shows, Chuck Aaron and more.

Such events have been a feature here since the 1950s and officials deemed this year's air show and open house a success.

"It shows a lot of dedication on the part of the public to come out and show the Air Force and the military their support," said Mary Jo May, 56th Fighter Wing community relations chief. "It was wonderful that they want to learn about their military in action and they were willing to wait in long lines and heavy traffic, extreme heat and strong winds to attend the event this weekend. I am so grateful for the public that came out and showed their support of the military and willingness to learn what we do."