Thunderbirds to perform at D-M's open house Published April 3, 2012 By Airman 1st Class Michael Washburn 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- On April 14 and 15, a familiar face is making a temporary appearance to the airspace above D-M. The Thunderbirds are scheduled to participate in the 2012 D-M "Thunder and Lightning over Arizona" open house. The Thunderbirds will be celebrating their 59th season of flying with D-M being the third performance. The precise, calculated maneuvers that make the Thunderbirds a fan favorite require the pilots to have extensive training. "In order to be considered for a flying position with the Thunderbirds, pilots must have flown at least 750 hours in a fighter or trainer aircraft," said Tech. Sgt. Jake Richmond, Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron public affairs. "After they've been selected for the team, they have to go through a rigorous training process." The main mission of the Thunderbirds is to show the capabilities of the modern, war-fighting aircraft. Demonstrations at Air Shows across the country provide them the opportunity to do just that, showing tax payers the abilities of the Air Force. "A Thunderbirds air show performance is the simplest and most effective way to show the general public how their Air Force operates," Richmond said. "It's a visceral experience for people and it can't be matched by reading about Airmen in a magazine or seeing an Air Force commercial. It's a great feeling when I see those people enjoying our performance. You can see on their faces that they're proud their Air Force is in good hands." Being from Arizona himself and spending four years stationed at D-M, Sergeant Richmond is excited to go back. "I love the state," Richmond said. "I still have a lot of friends in town, so I'm really looking forward to coming back." Friday is Heroes Day, which gives handicapped kids from the University of Arizona Medical Center a chance to see the show up close. Also on Friday is reenlistment ceremony. On Saturday, an enlistment ceremony is scheduled. Admission to the 2012 open house is free and open to the public. Click here for more information.