The Desert Lightning Team invites the Tucson community to the "Thunder and Lightning over Arizona" Open House here, March 12-13. Guests will experience aerial demonstrations and learn more about the Airmen and aircraft carrying out the Air Force mission here. The Open House is an opportunity to say 'thank you' for the support the local communities provide to the base throughout the year and D-M looks forward to hosting community members this spring.
The following will be performing: U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds
F-22A Single Ship Demo DLT Demo Team Desert Rats USMC Harrier Wings of Blue C/BP Demo Kent Pietsch Jacquie B
Heritage Flight
Rifle Shetterly
Smoke-N-Thunder Jet Car
Please check back for updates and changes. Inclusion on this page does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Air Force or Department of Defense.
Saturday, March 12 & Sunday, March 13 9 a.m. - Gates Open 11 a.m. - Aerial Demonstrations Begin 5 p.m. - Gates Close
General admission is FREE. No tickets are available or required for general entry. General parking is also FREE.
There will be FREE water stations available You can purchase Flightline Club tickets and beer garden tickets by clicking this link: 355th Force Support Squadron website If the website is not functioning, please contact Frances Pientack at (520) 228-5950 or email frances.pientack@us.af.mil for more information. Transportation: Public transport will not be available. Personal vehicles are allowed entry through general public access areas. Force Support Squadron Services: • Food, beverages and novelties will be available for purchase • ATM access will be available througout the flight line • Lightweight chairs will be available for rent
Reserved Seating Tickets · Shaded and open areas · Access to private restrooms · Exclusive viewing area Flight line club tickets
The Craycroft and Swan Gates will be open for general public entry to the Open House on March 12 & 13. The Craycroft Gate is located at Craycroft Road and Golf Links Road. It will be open for inbound Open House traffic only, Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. The Craycroft Gate will be open for outbound Open House traffic only, Saturday and Sunday from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. The Swan Gate is located at Swan Road and Golf Links Road. It will be open for inbound (2 lanes) and outbound (1 lane) Open House traffic, Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. The Swan Gate will be open for outbound (3 lanes) Open House traffic only, Saturday and Sunday from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. Personnel will be in place to direct traffic to Open House parking both days of the event.
Personnel that require ADA access should enter though the Craycroft gate. The entire event is ADA accessible. Please Note: Guests attending the Open House are not authorized to park their vehicles on the installation over night. All unauthorized vehicles found on D-M the morning of Monday, March 14 will be towed.
(Courtesy Photo--Google Maps)
For questions or more information please contact the 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs office at (520) 228-3406 or email us at 355wgpa@us.af.mil with the subject heading "2016 Open House."
The following hand carried items are permitted: • Personal carts or wheelchairs for physically challenged visitors • Diaper bags for guests with small children • Small women's purses • Strollers for small children • Official service dogs • Cameras or video recorders; must be small enough to carry by hand • Binoculars • Liquids less than 4 oz The following items are recommended: • Sunscreen • Hearing protection • Sunglasses • Sunhats/baseball caps
The following hand carried items are prohibited: · Coolers · Outside alcohol · Water bottles · Liquids OVER 4 oz · Duffle bags · Large purses (clutches and diaper bags are allowed) · Camelbacks · Paint · Balloons · Camera bags · Illegal drugs · Backpacks · Weapons (knives, firearms, brass knuckles, mace, pepper spray, box cutters, nunchucks) · Military uniforms worn by non-military members · Gang or motorcycle club affiliated colors or clothing · Banners, signs, pamphlets, clothing etc. that contain vulgar language, hate speech, or political advocacy material. · Folding chairs and lawn chairs · Bicycles · Scooters · Skates · Skateboards · Go-carts · Remote aircraft · Hoverboards · Umbrellas · All pets are prohibited from the Thunder and Lightning over Arizona grounds. · Service animals assisting physically challenged guests will be authorized. At no time will pets be left unattended outside show grounds or in vehicles. All pets are prohibited from the Thunder and Lightning over Arizona grounds. Service animals assisting physically challenged guests will be authorized. At no time will pets be left unattended outside the area or in vehicles.
Non-perishable food items will be accepted at seven different drop points on base. The general public can drop off donations at three collection points near the Swan Gate. Base personnel can drop off their donations at the collection point next to building 5600 or any drop point along the bus route. There will also be signs posted the day of the event directing individuals to the food drive collection points.