WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) – co-chair of the U.S. Senate Air Force Caucus – this week wrote to U.S. Air Force Secretary Deborah James, requesting that the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds perform at the 2016 Toledo Airshow. Writing in support of the 180th Fighter Wing’s request for the performance, Brown noted that the airshow, scheduled for August 6-7, 2016 at the Toledo Express Airport, will support recruiting efforts in Northwestern Ohio. The 2016 airshow will be the first airshow held in Toledo since 2004.
“Toledo’s air show will continue the legacy of Ohio’s aviation heritage. From the Wright brothers to Neil Armstrong and Senator John Glenn, Ohio boasts a long list of luminaries in flight,” Brown wrote. “As a showcase of the capabilities, technological prowess, and comradery of the United States’ military, the 2016 airshow will support recruiting efforts in Northwestern Ohio.”
The flying unit of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, officially known as the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, has performed its choreographed routines worldwide, showcasing the pride and skill of the U.S. Armed Forces.
The full letter is below.
August 19, 2015
The Honorable Deborah L. James
Secretary
United States Air Force
1670 Air Force Pentagon
Washington, D.C. 20330
Dear Secretary James:
I am writing in support of the 180th Fighter Wing’s request that the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds perform at the Toledo Airshow in 2016, tentatively scheduled for August 6-7 at the Toledo Express Airport. The airshow will be the first airshow held in Toledo since 2004, and the Thunderbirds’ participation would help ensure the show’s success. The official request (DD Form 2535) was made by Colonel Craig Baker, Commander of the 180th Fighter Wing.
Successful major airshows have been held in Toledo dating back to 1957 and have drawn as many as 75,000 attendees. As a showcase of the capabilities, technological prowess, and comradery of the United States’ military, the 2016 airshow will support recruiting efforts in Northwestern Ohio.
Toledo’s air show will continue the legacy of Ohio’s aviation heritage. From the Wright brothers to Neil Armstrong and Senator John Glenn, Ohio boasts a long list of luminaries in flight. A performance by the Thunderbirds would acknowledge this history, commemorate the contributions of the 180th Fighter Wing today, and inspire Ohio’s future generations of engineers, pilots, and leaders.
Thank you for considering the 180th Fighter Wing’s request. I believe that the Thunderbirds headlining the event would be a great way to revive the tradition of the Toledo Airshow. If you have any questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.
Sincerely,
Sherrod Brown
United States Senator
