Thunderbirds to fly over Hickam
By Kawehi Haug
Advertiser Staff Writer
Deborah Booker • The Honolulu Advertiser
And there'll be fun, fun, fun when the Air Force brings the T-Birds to town — especially if large crowds are your thing.
Today's show at Hickam will mark the first appearance of the Air Force Thunderbirds in Hawai'i since 1995.
The Air Force's air demonstration team, the Thunderbirds, will be flying over Hickam Air Force Base today and tomorrow.
"We're prepared to accommodate 50,000 people each day," said spokesman Lt. Paradon Silpasornprasit.
People. Not cars.
Silpasornprasit said 40,000 or 50,000 spectators can easily roam the base in comfort, but parking is another story.
"Parking on base is very limited, so we're encouraging people to carpool," Silpasornprasit said. "If the parking lots fill up, we'll have to turn people away."
The Thunderbirds will be flying for the first time in Hawai'i since 1995 — and it will be the first time they'll fly over Hickam.
Their shows begin at 4 p.m.
The base gates will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The event is part of the first ever Friends and Neighbors Weekend at Hickam. The weekend is a chance for the community to see what goes on inside the base, Silpasornprasit said.
There will be food and rides for the keiki as well as a display of aircraft and helicopters. Ground crew and pilots will be available to answer questions about the aircraft.
• • •
• Parking is free, but limited. • TheBus Route 19 goes to the base. The regular weekend schedule applies. There are no additional shuttles. • Everyone, not just drivers, should bring a picture ID. • Everything is outdoors and there is little shade, so bring sunscreen, sunglasses and plenty of water. • The planes will fly over the airfield, but if you don't make it to the field on time, the show will be visible from any spot on base. • Backpacks, coolers, pets, weapons, bicycles, skateboards, skates, scooters or similar items are not allowed. • Tailgating is prohibited. • Smoking is permitted in designated areas only. • On the Web: www2.hickam.af.mil/cs/fnw.htm has maps and information on Hickam's Friends and Neighbors Weekend 2003.
If you go
