Fairchild celebrates its 75th birthday with Skyfest 2017

A U.S. Air Force Aerial Demonstration Squadron Thunderbird maintainer looks out as other Thunderbirds finish their performances at Skyfest 2017 Air Show and Open House July 30, 2017, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. The Thunderbirds are the Air Force’s premiere aerial demonstration team who perform at various military bases and civilian air shows around the world. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Sean Campbell)

A local community member takes photos of the U.S. Air Force Aerial Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, performance at Skyfest 2017 Air Show and Open House July 30, 2017, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. SkyFest is a community event to inform the public about Air Force assets and to showcase the capabilities of its aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Sean Campbell)

Service members and members from the local and regional community look up the sky as performers fly by during SkyFest 2017 Air Show and Open House at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, July 30, 2017. SkyFest is Fairchild’s air show and open house to give the local and regional community the opportunity to meet Airmen and learn about the Air Force mission. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Janelle Patiño)

Lt. Col. Jason Heard, U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds Air Demonstration Squadron commander, swears in new U.S. Air Force recruits at the Skyfest 2017 air show and open house July 29, 2017, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. The Oath of Enlistment is a traditional pledge of service given by officers to new recruits. (U.S. Air Force photo / Airman 1st Class Ryan Lackey)

Six F-16 Fighting Falcons from the Thunderbirds aerial demonstration team fly in formation at the Skyfest 2017 air show and open house July 29, 2017, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. The Thunderbirds are assigned to the 57th Wing, and are based at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. (U.S. Air Force photo / Airman 1st Class Ryan Lackey)

The U.S. Air Force Aerial Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, fly behind a Team Fairchild KC-135 Stratotanker on their way to the Skyfest 2017 Air Show and Open House July 27, 2017, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. The 3,600th Air Demonstration Unit was first activated in 1953 at Luke AFB, Arizona, and later adopted the name Thunderbirds. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Sean Campbell)

A U.S. Air Force Aerial Demonstration Squadron “Thunderbird” F-16 Fighting Falcon reaches for the moon July 29, 2017, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. The Thunderbirds switched from what? to the F-16A Fighting Falcon on June 22, 1982. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Sean Campbell)

A aerial acrobatic stunt performance team displays daredevil skills at the Skyfest 2017 air show and open house July 29, 2017, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. The air show was host to over 12 air performance acts. (U.S. Air Force photo / Airman 1st Class Ryan Lackey)

Six F-16 Fighting Falcons from the U.S. Air Force Aeiral Demostration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, break formation at the Skyfest 2017 air show and open house July 29, 2017, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. The Thunderbird's aircraft maintainers are considered some of the best in the Air Force for their ability to keep the team's F-16 Fighting Falcons performing consistently. (U.S. Air Force photo / Airman 1st Class Ryan Lackey)

A B-25 Mitchell bomber aircraft taxis down the runway at the Skyfest 2017 air show and open house July 29, 2017, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. The B-25 design was named in honor of Maj. Gen. William "Billy" Mitchell, a pioneer of U.S. military aviation. (U.S. Air Force photo / Airman 1st Class Ryan Lackey)

Two A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft takeoff during the Skyfest 2017 air show and open house July 29, 2017, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. The A-10, commonly called the “warthog” by pilots, is a deadly air-to-ground fighter used to provide close air support against armored vehicles and tanks. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Ryan Lackey)

Mr. Mike Berriochoa, announcer for Skyfest 2017 Air Show and Open House , surveys the flightline July 30, 2017, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. Berriochoa has been a member of the International Council of Air Shows since 1983. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Sean Campbell)

Four F-16 Fighting Falcons from the Thunderbirds aerial demonstration team takeoff in formation as part of their performance at the Skyfest 2017 air show and open house July 30, 2017, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. The Thunderbirds are assigned to the 57th Wing and are based at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. (U.S. Air Force photo / Airman 1st Class Ryan Lackey)

The Thunderbirds aerial demonstration team taxi in front of a C-5 Galaxy and hundreds of attendees at the Skyfest 2017 air show and open house July 30, 2017, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. Thousands attended the first Fairchild air show in three years, helping the base to celebrate it's 75th anniversary. (U.S. Air Force photo / Airman 1st Class Ryan Lackey)

Two F-16 Fighting Falcons from the Thunderbirds aerial demonstration team perform a close, high-speed pass at the Skyfest 2017 air show and open house July 30, 2017, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. Only the top U.S. Air Force pilots are selected to perform for the Thunderbirds, but they still train continuously to perfect their craft while serving with the Thunderbirds. (U.S. Air Force photo / Airman 1st Class Ryan Lackey)

Capt. Sarah Harper, U.S. Air Force Aerial Demonstration Squadron public affairs officer shakes the hand of a Skyfest 2017 Air Show and Open House attendee July 29, 2017, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. Millions of people have witnessed the Thunderbirds since their beginning, and they continue to show pride, professionalism and the dedication of hundreds of thousands of Airmen serving at home and abroad. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Sean Campbell)

The Fairchild Air Force Base Honor Guard presents opening colors at Skyfest 2017 Air Show and Open House July 28, 2017, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. Fairchild’s honor guardsmen perform numerous types of ceremonies, to include two-man and six-man flag folding sequences, colors presentation, colors posting and marching in parades. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Sean Campbell)

Father Juan Salonga, 92nd Air Refueling Wing Catholic chaplain, gives a Sunday morning service near the flightline prior to the start of Skyfest 2017 air show and open house July 30, 2017, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. Established in 1775, the chaplain corps have served as spiritual, ethical and morale leaders in the U.S. military for over 242 years. (U.S. Air Force photo / Airman 1st Class Ryan Lackey)

Uutah, 92nd Security Forces Squadron military working dog, lunges at an Airman during a K-9 demonstration at SkyFest 2017 Air Show and Open House at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, July 30, 2017. SkyFest is Fairchild’s air show and open house to give the local and regional community the opportunity to meet Airmen and learn about the Air Force mission. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Janelle Patiño)

Members of the U.S. Air Force Aerial Demonstration Squadron “Thunderbirds” stand by as the Thunderbirds fly in formation during SkyFest 2017 Air Show and Open House at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, July 28, 2017. SkyFest hosted more than 15 types of aircraft and static displays and more than 10 flying performers. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Janelle Patiño)

Maj. Whit Collins, U.S. Air Force Aerial Demonstration Squadron “Thunderbirds” pilot #6 signs autographs for the local and regional community during SkyFest 2017 Air Show and Open House at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, July 28, 2017. SkyFest was an opportunity to give the local and regional community a chance to view Airmen and our resources. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Janelle Patiño)

The U.S. Air Force Aerial Demonstration Squadron “Thunderbirds” fly in formation during SkyFest 2017 Air Show and Open House at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, July 30, 2017. SkyFest is hosting more than 15 types of aircraft and static displays, and more than 10 flying performers. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Janelle Patiño)

An RA-5C Vigilante flies in formation during SkyFest 2017 Air Show and Open House at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, July 30, 2017. SkyFest was an opportunity to give the local and regional community a chance to view Airmen and our resources. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Janelle Patiño)

One of The U.S. Air Force Aerial Demonstration Squadron “Thunderbirds” flies in formation during SkyFest 2017 Air Show and Open House at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, July 30, 2017. SkyFest is Fairchild’s air show and open house to give the local and regional community the opportunity to meet Airmen and learn about the Air Force mission. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Janelle Patiño)

A child touches an aircraft during SkyFest 2017 Air Show and Open House at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, July 30, 2017. SkyFest was hosted to thank the local and regional community for their support and give them the opportunity to meet Airmen and learn about the Air Force mission. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Janelle Patiño)

Members from the local and regional community touch the wing of a static display aircraft during SkyFest 2017 Air Show and Open House at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, July 30, 2017. SkyFest hosted more than 15 types of aircraft and static displays and more than 10 flying performers. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Janelle Patiño)

Service members and members from the local community take photos with static displays during the SkyFest 2017 Air Show and Open House at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, July 29, 2017. SkyFest was an opportunity to give the local and regional community a chance to view Airmen and our resources. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Patiño)

Service members and members from the local community gathered at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, during the SkyFest 2017 Air Show and Open House at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, July 29, 2017. SkyFest is Fairchild’s air show and open house to give the local and regional community the opportunity to view Airmen and our resources. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Janelle Patiño)

Service members and members from the local community walk off a C-5 Galaxy during SkyFest 2017 Air Show and Open House at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, July 29, 2017. SkyFest is Fairchild’s air show and open house to give the local and regional community the opportunity to meet Airmen and learn about the Air Force mission. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Janelle Patiño)

A UH-1N Huey performs during the Skyfest 2017 Air Show and Open House at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, July 29, 2017. SkyFest was an opportunity to give the local and regional community a chance to view Airmen and our resources. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Janelle Patiño)

Service members and members of the local community watch as the Cascade Warbirds perform during the Skyfest 2017 Air Show and Open House at Fairhcild Air Force Base, Washington, July 29, 2017. SkyFest was an opportunity to give the local and regional community a chance to view Airmen and our resources. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Janelle Patiño)

A KC-135 Stratotanker taxis down the runway during the SkyFest 2017 Air Show and Open House at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, July 29, 2017. SkyFest is Fairhcild’s air show and open house to thank the local and regional community for their support and give them the opportunity to view Airmen and our resources. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Janelle Patiño)

Col. Ryan Samuelson, 92nd Air Refueling Wing commander, thanked service members and members of the local community for their support during the SkyFest 2017 Air Show and Open House at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. SkyFest was hosted to thank the local and regional community for their support and give them the opportunity to meet Airmen and learn about the Air Force mission. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Janelle Patiño)

Two A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft perform during the 2017 Skyfest Air Show and Open House July 29, 2017, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. The A-10 has excellent maneuverability at low air speeds and altitude, and is a highly accurate and survivable weapons-delivery platform. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Jesenia Landaverde)

A B-25 Bomber and a P-51 Mustang perform during the 2017 Skyfest Air Show and Open House July 29, 2017, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. The invasion stripes upon on the aircraft were painted on the fuselages and wings of World War II allied aircraft to increase recognition by friendly forces. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Jesenia Landaverde)

Maj. Whit Collins, solo pilot for the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, talks to air show guests during the 2017 Skyfest Air Show and Open House July 29, 2017, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. Skyfest gives the local and regional community the opportunity to view Airmen and Air Force resources. This is Collins’ first season with the team, flying jet number six. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Jesenia Landaverde)

Airmen with the 36th Rescue Squadron perform a simulated combat search and rescue during the 2017 Skyfest Air Show and Open House July 29, 2017, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. The 36th RQS at Fairchild is part of the 58th Special Operations Wing, Kirtland, New Mexico. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Jesenia Landaverde)

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds perform for the Inland Northwest community during the 2017 Skyfest Air Show and Open House July 30, 2017, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. The Thunderbirds have flown the F-16 Fighting Falcon since August 1982, more than half of the team's history. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Mackenzie Richardson)

An F-18 Super Hornet from Naval Station Lemoore, California, performs for the Inland Northwest community during the 2017 Skyfest Air Show and Open House July 30, 2017, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. During the event, multiple static displays of military aircraft along with more than 10 aerial performances, including vintage military aircraft and civilian acts, were on display for the crowds. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Mackenzie Richardson)

A 36th Rescue Squadron UH-1 Iroquois conducts a combat search and rescue during the 2017 Skyfest Air Show and Open House July 30, 2017, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. The 36th RQS resides under the 58th Special Operations Wing at Kirtland, New Mexico. As of recently, the 36th RQS has conducted over 690 rescues. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Mackenzie Richardson)

Fairchild Air Force Base Honor Guard members march down the flightline during Fairchild Air Force Base's SkyFest 2017 Air Show and Open House July 30, 2017, at FAFB, Washington. The Honor Guard presented the colors during SkyFest's opening remarks. Fairchild HG Airmen are responsible for providing military funeral honors for deceased Air Force members and provide colors details for various events. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nick J. Daniello)

Senior Airman James Riley, Survival Evasion Resistance and Escape specialist, applies camouflage paint a visitors face during the SkyFest 2017 Air Show and Open House July 30, 2017, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. SkyFest 2017 is a community event to inform the public about Air Force assets and to showcase the capabilities of its aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nick J. Daniello)

Spectators watch as the U.S. Air Force Aerial Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, perform during SkyFest 2017 Air Show and Open House July 30, 2017, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. The Thunderbirds are the Air Force’s premiere aerial demonstration team who perform at various military bases and civilian air shows around the world. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Nick J. Daniello)