TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES, N.M. —
The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron “Thunderbirds” kicked off their first ever winter coaching journey in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, Jan. 10.
The Thunderbirds’ coaching season, starting from November by means of March, is a time to combine and synchronize as a group and apply the demonstration. This 12 months, the month-long winter coaching journey will happen in two areas: Truth or Consequences, New Mexico; and Ft. Huachuca, Arizona.
Leadership from the Thunderbirds and the 57th Fighter Wing made the landmark choice to have an off-station winter coaching journey after assessing a number of areas primarily based on aerospace availability, geographical location, and web site surveys. In earlier years, the Thunderbirds hosted coaching at their residence base, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada.
“This is our top priority for the 2022 training season. It’s crucial that we take advantage of this unique opportunity to set the tone for our 2022 show season and future training seasons,” stated Lt. Col. Justin Elliott, Thunderbirds commander and chief.
The transfer was made to extend aerospace alternative and suppleness for the group’s coaching wants, whereas additionally permitting them to apply in situations of accelerating issue.
“These two locations are excellent training environments, each serving different purposes,” stated Lt. Col. Elliott. “The show season subjects the team to difficult and ever-changing environments both in the air and on the ground. Training in new and different environments will allow the team to exercise the necessary muscles to ensure our demonstration is precise despite changing conditions.”
The group’s first coaching web site is Spaceport America, positioned simply exterior of Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. The location boasts 6,000 sq. miles of restricted airspace, low inhabitants density, a 12,000-foot runway, and 340 days of sunshine and low humidity. These favorable situations, together with solely devoted airspace, permit the group to hone the demonstration earlier than shifting on to tougher flying situations and time constraints like they may see in the course of the present season.
After two weeks the group will transfer on to Ft. Huachuca, Arizona, residence to the U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence, the U.S. Army Network Enterprise Technology Command (NETCOM)/ninth Army Signal Command and greater than 48 supported tenants. Ft. Huachuca is comprised of 946 sq. miles of restricted airspace and three runways, in addition to a gentle winter and low humidity. This location, with many mountains shut by, will problem the demonstration group in flight with totally different situations, visuals, and a extra inflexible flying schedule like these they’ll see in the course of the present season.
“We are extremely thankful for our hosts and counterparts at Spaceport America and Ft. Huachuca. This is a first for the Thunderbirds and it wouldn’t be possible without their partnership and support.”
After the inaugural coaching journey the group will proceed on to coach with the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, at Naval Air Facility (NAF) El Centro, California, to trade greatest practices and classes discovered in preparation for the 2022 present season.
For extra info on the Thunderbirds, go to air power.com/thunderbirds or comply with us on social media @afthunderbirds.
