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JBER continues to plan Arctic Thunder 2020

Despite the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, personnel at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson and aerial demonstration teams continue planning the 2020 Arctic Thunder Open House, currently scheduled July 11 and 12.

The Department of the Air Force recently suspended public outreach activities and support to community events through May 15. This suspension includes, but is not limited to: on-base and civilian-sponsored airshows, band performances and community engagements.

“Right now we are planning for a full Arctic Thunder Open House. There are many uncertainties regarding the COVID-19 situation and we will continuously evaluate the situation and provide updates as needed,” said Lt. Col. Tony LoMedico (Pronunciation: low-MED-icko), Arctic Thunder Open House director.

In anticipation of a restart to the 2020 season later this spring, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds report they have finished winter training and are maintaining air show flight readiness with regular practice flights.

Lt. Col. Chris McAlear, chief of the Aerial Events Branch at U.S. Air Force Air Combat Command, said he expects the ACC single-ship demo teams to continue training and remain prepared to start the 2020 air show season once the Air Force’s suspension of outreach activities ends May 15.

Currently, the CDC’s recommendation of an eight-week suspension of large events and mass gatherings ends Sunday, May, 10.

Scheduled to appear at Arctic Thunder 2020:

  • The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron Thunderbirds
  • Air Combat Command F-22 Raptor Demo Team
  • Air Combat Command F-35A Lightning II Demo Team
  • Pacific Air Force C-17 Globemaster III Demo Team
  • Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Joint Forces Demo
  • 9th Army Band, United States Army Alaska
  • Wings of Freedom and the Commemorative Air Force Alaska Wing
  • Rob Holland Ultimate Airshows
  • Wild Blue Rodeo
  • Man vs. Impossible

*Performance schedule subject to change

For more information, visit https://www.arcticthunderopenhouse.com/ or https://www.jber.jb.mil/Info/Arctic-Thunder-Open-House/.

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