2009 Helena Air Show to feature two premier demonstration teams

  • Published
HELENA, Mont. --  The "Gateway to Freedom" Air Show recently announced that two premier demonstration teams will perform this summer in the skies over Helena. 

The United States Air Force demonstration squadron, the Thunderbirds, and the United States Army parachute team, the Golden Knights, will be headline participants in the Helena Area Montana Military Open House and Air Show scheduled June 27-28. 

Roger Hagan, Gateway to Freedom air show director, confirmed the teams and dates. Plans call for the air show to be part of a military open house, hosted by the Montana National Guard and Reserve units assigned to Fort Harrison. The event is free and open to the public. 

The Helena Military Affairs Committee of the Helena Area Chamber of Commerce is also sponsoring the air show. 

"This event will showcase numerous aircraft and tactical vehicles used by both the Army and Air National Guard units in Montana and the United States military," said Montana National Guard Col. Scott Smith, open house director. "Numerous live demonstrations will be incorporated into the program which will make this a very special event." 

The Thunderbirds, America's Ambassadors in Blue, perform gravity-defying feats in iconic red, white and blue F-16s, reaching speeds over 500 mph. The Thunderbirds team consists of 12 officers and 120 enlisted personnel. 

In 2009, the Golden Knights will be commemorating 50 years since the formation of the Strategic Army Corps Sport Parachute Team, which later evolved in the U.S. Army Parachute Team, and later the Golden Knights. They travel as two demonstration teams and also have competition and tandem teams. 

For more information , call Mr. Hagan at (406) 459-0773.