Video: Thunderbirds Steal the Show at Columbus AFB

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COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) — If you heard a few loud booms Saturday afternoon, no need to be alarmed. Thousands of people came out to Columbus Air Force base today to watch a spectacular air show. The 2-day event kicked off  Saturday morning.

The United States Thunderbirds are in Columbus to take part in the air show for this year’s Open House. Nearly 45,000 people turned out for the show.

“Kids are always fascinated with the fact of searching out and looking at airplanes flying and stuff. So he’s asked about it, he ask questions about it,” says Navy veteran, Michael Davis.

The Thunderbirds travel the world to inspire young Americans to join the military. The Civil Air Patrol is an organization sponsored by the Air Force that teaches leadership skills and pilot training to young people.

The Civil Air Patrol is different from a JROTC because we actually give cadets pilot training. Our squadron decided to come down here to experience the Thunderbirds in action. We usually do things like this and today just felt like a great day,” says Christian Littlejohn, a Civil Air Patrol member.

The Columbus Air Force Base is one of 14 Active Duty bases to be selected to host the Thunderbirds.

The gates at the base are now scheduled to open at 9 a.m. on Sunday, April 6. The flying begins at 10:30 a.m. and the Thunderbirds will perform at 12 p.m. The car show will go on as originally scheduled.