F-16 Will Make Early Appearance Next Week

Just six weeks after the announcement the US Air Force Thunderbirds will perform at the OC Air Show, the first Thunderbird jet will appear over the skies of Ocean City, MD.

Major Tony Mulhare, Thunderbird #8, the team's advance pilot and narrator will visit the resort community on January 27-28 for planning meetings and a site survey.

"This will be a different kind of 'bird watch,'" said Bryan Lilley, President of the OC Air Show. "Look to the skies just after the lunch hour on January 27th and you'll catch a glimpse of a low flying red, white and blue F-16 over the city."

Major Mulhare will survey the air show site, then land at NASA Wallops Flight Facility for his overnight stay. Upon landing he'll greet city officials and the local media where they'll have a rare opportunity to get up close and personal with his Thunderbird F-16.

As ANN reported, the Thunderbirds announced in December they will perform at the OC Air Show in 2009. The event will open the town's summer season as it moves to a weekend, taking place June 13-14, 2009.

"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 GEICO Skytypers and the US Air Force Reserve Bi-Plane piloted by Ed Hamill have announced that they will join the 2009 air show line up.

FMI: www.ocairshow.com