Thunderbird demonstrations highlight Cannon air show

link The Thunderbirds start a signature maneuver Saturday during the Open House at Cannon Air Force Base near Clovis.

QCS Staff

Cannon Air Force Base entertained thousands of guests who came in from as far away as Oklahoma Saturday and Sunday for its annual Open House.

Shows by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the Air Force’s precision flight squadron, highlighted events on both days. In addition, visitors saw demonstrations by the Wings of Blue parachute team from the U.S. Air Force Academy and capability demonstrations perofrmed by Cannon personnel, including a simulated combat rescue scene.

There were also demonstrations from the Smoke-and-Thunder jet car, and performances by the U.S. Air Force Academy rock band.

On Saturday, there was also an enlistment ceremony in which recruits officially joined the Air Force.

Visitors also lined up for opportunities to see flight decks and tour aircraft that included two combat-ready C-130 aircraft, including the AC130HC/U and the AC-130 Stinger II, both equipment with guns and missiles, as well as defense countermeasures. Also on display were the CV 22 Osprey, the C-17 Globemaster III, which can airlift as many as 102 paratroops and equipment, even to smaller airfields; the UH-1N and Pavehawk combat helicopters, and two combat drone aircraft that are used for unmanned flights.