Team Will Headline Second Annual Event

The Air Force Thunderbirds have announced that they will perform at next year's OC Air Show in Ocean City, NJ. The event will open the town's summer season in style as it moves to a weekend, taking place June 13-14, 2009.

"This is what we set out to achieve, all our hard work has paid off," said Bryan S. Lilley, president of OC Air Show, LLC. "We are honored that the Thunderbirds have awarded Ocean City a date on their 2009 schedule."

The Thunderbirds are the US Air Force's elite aerial demonstration team. Each year they perform at over 30 locations throughout the country and around the world. They are the ambassadors that proudly represent more than 500,000 service men and women of the US Air Force.

"The entire Thunderbird team is looking forward to coming to Ocean City," said Captain Jason McCree, Thunderbird #12, the team's public affairs officer. "We are humbled at the opportunity to represent service men and women across the globe who defend our freedoms."

The Thunderbirds will headline a four-hour event that will include military aircraft demonstrations, low altitude flyovers and civilian aerobatic performances and the return of the US Army Golden Knights parachute team. The event will take place from noon to 4 pm each day and be visible along the entire length of the Boardwalk, creating an inspiring experience for visitors while they enjoy the resort's beaches and attractions.

Interactive displays and exhibits, including NASA's Exploration Experience, will be open to the public on the streets surrounding Show Center at 16th Street on the Boardwalk. Show Center Beach, extending from 15th to 17th streets, will offer premium viewing opportunities and the VIP flight line clubhouse for public attendees. Elevated skyboxes in the Quality Inn Boardwalk, headquarters hotel for the show, and waterfront hospitality chalets on the beach, will be available to businesses and groups.

"On behalf of the City Council and the citizens of Ocean City, we are honored and thrilled to have the US Air Force Thunderbirds headline the 2009 OC Air Show," said Mayor Rick Meehan. "In just its second year, the OC Air Show has become a marquee event and we are looking forward to seeing the Thunderbirds soaring over Ocean City."

Look for the first Thunderbird jet to appear over the skies of Ocean City the last week in January when Major Tony Mulhare, Thunderbird #8, the team's advance pilot and narrator makes a pre-season site visit.

FMI: www.ocairshow.com