MEET THE 
PERFORMERS
United States Air Force Thunderbirds
The Thunderbirds have the honor of representing nearly 700,000 active duty, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, and civilian Airmen across America and deployed around the world.
F-22 Demonstration
Flying JBER F-22's, the Air Combat Command F-22 Demonstration Team at Langley Air Force Base performs precision aerial maneuvers to demonstrate the unique capabilities of the world's only operational fifth-generation fighter aircraft. The team also joins up with Air Force Heritage flight, exhibiting the professional qualities the Air Force develops in the people who fly, maintain, and support these aircraft.
F-16 Demonstration
The PACAF F-16 Demonstration Team is assigned to the 14th Fighter Squadron -- one of two fighter squadrons assigned to the 35th Fighter Wing as Misawa Air Base, Japan. The team includes a hand-picked all-volunteer cadre of one pilot, two narrators and a maintenance team composed of four crew chiefs and five specialists responsible for the aircraft's avionics and electrical systems and engines. Besides their weekend show schedule, team members must be ready to deploy in support of the 35th Fighter Wing's wartime mission while handling their day-to-day jobs within the squadron.
C-17 Demonstration Team
Flying the newest, most flexible cargo aircraft in the USAF, the Pacific Air Forces C-17 demonstration team embodies Air Force’s global reach mission. Showcasing the operating capabilities of the fly-by-wire C-17 includes tactical departures, maneuvers, and its ability to take-off and land in distances as short as 3500 feet, at weights up to 585,000 pounds. A strategic airlifter capable of tactical insertion of troops and oversized equipment like a fully loaded M1 Abrams tank, the C-17 represents the present and future of Air Force airlift.
Anthony Oshinuga
Anthony Oshinuga is a mechanical engineer, aerobatic pilot, relationship coach, and author. He lives in Southern California with his wife. Flying a Pitts Special Custom S-1S Aerobatic Biplane dubbed “Black Hawk,” crowds can expect a spectacular performance, showcasing an impressive display of precision and speed. Oshinuga made history in 2015 when he became the first African-American to enter the Reno National Championship Air Race and earn a podium finish.
When Oshinuga isn’t defying gravity and etching his name further up on the map of aerial heroes, he operates his own flight touring business, Air Oshi, in which he provides clients with a scenic view of the Southern California wineries from his home away from home-- the sky. As he strives for what is expected to be a stellar year, Oshinuga is eager to spread his insight and talent for young minds to absorb and embark on the path that has given this aviator, engineer, entrepreneur, and idol to many his coveted podium in life.
Melissa Dawn Burns
Melissa is a professional aerobatic pilot, display skydiver and B.A.S.E. Jumper. In 2006, at 22 years old Melissa became the youngest female member of the United States Unlimited Aerobatic Team in history. She placed 3rd overall in the 2015 World Aerobatic Championships after 10 years of competing at the Unlimited World Level. Melissa was named the Fastest Woman in the World at the World Champion Wingsuit B.A.S.E. Jumping Race in Norway in 2015 and has participated in numerous Skydiving World Records. She was also named as an inductee to the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Chancellor's Hall of Fame in 2015 in Prescott, AZ. Today she travels with her team performing in Airshow Displays for audiences worldwide.
Tom "Lark" Larkin
Tom Larkin started flying lessons at age 19 while in college, and earned his private pilots license in 62 days. Tom received an Aerospace Engineering degree from Georgia Tech, and then entered the Air Force for pilot training in 1984. He was selected as a T-38 Instructor pilot, and then progressed to the F-15C. He was awarded Top Graduate in F-15 school, and flew 22 missions in northern Iraq in support of Operation Northern Watch and Provide Comfort. Tom later was selected as an instructor for the Air Force Fighter Lead-In School in the AT-38. He left active duty in 2000, and now resides in the Denver, CO area.
Tom has over 9,000 hours total time in over 55 different aircraft, with approximately 8,000 hours of that in jets. During the show, Tom will be performing a cross section of maneuvers that he routinely used while instructing and flying fighters in the Air Force.
U.S. Army SOC Parachute Demo Team
The U.S. Army Special Operations Command Parachute Demonstration Team - the Black Daggers - is composed entirely of volunteers from throughout the Army Special Operations community. They have diverse backgrounds and various military specialties. The team represents the professionalism and dedication of Special Operations Forces and performs aerial demonstrations in support of U.S. Army Special Operations Command community outreach and recruiting efforts.
Undaunted Airshows
Undaunted Airshows, a Pacific Northwest airshow team that goes by call sign “Orca Flight”, was formed in 2020. This two ship formation/aerobatic team demonstrates fluid aerobatic formation flying, dynamic head-to-head merges and dog-fighting like rejoin sequences. Stephen Christopher flys the lead pilot position and Todd Rudberg flys the wing position. Todd and Stephen began flying together in 2010 with the Blackjack Squadron. Stephen is a leader in the formation flying community and has flown in air shows with the West Coast Ravens and the Lightning Formation Airshows. The team flys the extremely popular Vansaircraft RV series of homebuilt sport aircraft.
9th Army Band
Constituted on 7 January, 1944 as the 236th Army Band, it was later redesignated on 17 May, 1947 as the 9th Army Band. It was assigned to Fort Richardson, Alaska in 1951, inactivated on 1 September at Ladd Air Force Base, Alaska, and then re-activated on 16 November, 1995 at Fort Wainwright.
On 13 October, 2016, the 9th Army Band was moved to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.
The U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific
Also featuring the U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific.
FREE ADMISSION & PARKING
Arctic Thunder General Public Entry
- Gate # 1 - Boniface Parkway
- Gate # 2 - Fort Richardson via D Street Exit
For those arriving from North of Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (Eagle River or the Valley), please enter through the Fort Richardson Gate via D Street Exit. For those arriving from Anchorage or South of Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, please enter through the Boniface Gate via Boniface Parkway.
You will be directed to FREE general parking after entry.
From 9:00 a.m. to noon, the Boniface Gate will have three lanes inbound and one lane outbound.
After 2 p.m., no open house traffic will be allowed through Boniface Gate or Richardson Gate.
*Individuals with children are requested to pick up arm bands at Entry Control Points or in Hangar 2.
*Handicap parking is available for vehicles with the proper identification and markings.
For additional information about premium seating and corporate tents please click below for more information.