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Air Force Global Strike Command AFSTRAT-AIR

'Wings Over Whiteman' wows crowds

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds fly in a synchronized formation at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., June 13, 2015. The Thunderbirds tour the United States and countries around the world to perform their famous aerobatic formations as they represent the U.S. military. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Keenan Berry/Released)

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A civilian aircraft at the Wings Over Whiteman air show performs aerobatic tricks June 13, 2015, at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. These air shows, which let civilians and service members interact, are just one of the ways the military thanks the surrounding communities for their continued support. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Brigitte N. Brantley/Released)

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'Wings Over Whiteman' wows crowds

Members of the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team perform a demonstration June 13, 2015, during the Wings Over Whiteman air show at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. The 24 demonstrator positions on the team are typically held for at least three consecutive years. At the end of their tenure, soldiers will then either rotate back to Army units or they may request to stay with the team for an additional period of time. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Brigitte N. Brantley/Released)

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'Wings Over Whiteman' wows crowds

Members of the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team descend to the ground June 13, 2015, during the Wings Over Whiteman air show at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. Team members come from a variety of 150 jobs available in the U.S. Army. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Brigitte N. Brantley/Released)

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'Wings Over Whiteman' wows crowds

A fleet of P-51 Mustangs perform June 13, 2015, during the Wings Over Whiteman air show at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. The air show is a public event at which aviators display their flying skills and the capabilities of their aircraft to spectators, usually by means of aerobatics. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Brigitte N. Brantley/Released)

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'Wings Over Whiteman' wows crowds

A fleet of P-51 Mustangs show off for a crowd June 13, 2015, during the Wings Over Whiteman air show at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. Air shows are one of the largest ways during the year that military installations show their appreciation for ongoing community support. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Brigitte N. Brantley/Released)

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'Wings Over Whiteman' wows crowds

Aircraft sit on the flightline June 13, 2015, during the Wings Over Whiteman air show at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. Although aircraft from around the country participate, WOW is especially an opportunity for the base to show off the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber and A-10 Thunderbolt.(U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Brigitte N. Brantley/Released)

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'Wings Over Whiteman' wows crowds

Spectators wait for the next act during the Wings Over Whiteman air show June 13, 2015, at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. Air shows allow the men and women of the U.S. military to thank the public for their support by displaying some of the aircraft in their inventory. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Brigitte N. Brantley/Released)

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'Wings Over Whiteman' wows crowds

Two spectators at the Wings Over Whiteman air show capture a performance in action June 13, 2015, at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. Air shows hosted by the military allow aviation enthusiasts to capture some of their favorite airframes in action. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Brigitte N. Brantley/Released)

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'Wings Over Whiteman' wows crowds

A Beechcraft Model 18 flies during the Wings Over Whiteman air show June 13, 2015, at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. In addition to the aerial acts, attendees were also treated to military static displays including the C-5 Galaxy, T-38 Talon and B-52 Stratofortress. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Brigitte N. Brantley/Released)

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'Wings Over Whiteman' wows crowds

Two spectators at the Wings Over Whiteman watch a Beechcraft Model 18 land after its performance June 13, 2015, at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. Although much of the crowd traveled from nearby communities, many traveled here from across the country. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Brigitte N. Brantley/Released)

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'Wings Over Whiteman' wows crowds

A parachutist with the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team prepares to land June 13, 2015, during the Wings Over Whiteman air show at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. The Golden Knights have conducted more than 16,000 shows in 50 states and 48 countries over the past 53 years. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Brigitte N. Brantley/Released)

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'Wings Over Whiteman' wows crowds

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds perform for spectators during the Wings Over Whiteman air show June 13, 2015, at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. These F-16 Fighting Falcons are the only ones in the Air Force inventory painted in this distinctive red, white and blue pattern. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Brigitte N. Brantley/Released)

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'Wings Over Whiteman' wows crowds

A member of the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team prepares to land June 13, 2015, during the Wings Over Whiteman air show at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. The Golden Knights have conducted more than 16,000 shows in 50 states and 48 countries over the past 53 years. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Brigitte N. Brantley/Released)

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Whiteman Air Force Base, Wings Over Whiteman, air show

Larry Hobson, left, a resident of Humansville, Mo., discusses the aircraft with Vince Woods, a resident of Boliver, Mo., June 13, 2015, during the Wings Over Whiteman air show at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. This free, family-oriented event drew in spectators from all over the region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jazmin Smith/Released)

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Whiteman Air Force Base, Wings Over Whiteman, air show

Spectators pay their respects while the national anthem is played June 13, 2015, during the Wings Over Whiteman air show at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. During the air show, spectators had the opportunity to view an array of static displays of aircraft on the ground, visit vendors and explore other activities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jazmin Smith/Released)

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Whiteman Air Force Base, Wings Over Whiteman, air show

Albert R. St. Germain, a resident of Grandview, Mo., reminisces with members of the 509th Security Forces Squadron June 13, 2015, during the Wings Over Whiteman air show at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. During the air show, visitors of the base had the opportunity to see the inner workings of a military installation and talk with service members. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jazmin Smith/Released)

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Whiteman Air Force Base, Wings Over Whiteman, air show

Members of the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team stand in formation June 13, 2015, during the Wings Over Whiteman air show at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. Prior to taking off, the Golden Knights perform a “dirt dive,” which is a practice run on the ground to check each detail of their performance. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jazmin Smith/Released)

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Whiteman Air Force Base, Wings Over Whiteman, air show

A member of the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team poses during one of the fly-bys June 13, 2015, during the Wings Over Whiteman air show at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. The Golden Knights conducted parachute demonstrations during this show while flying at an altitude up to 3,000 feet. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jazmin Smith/Released)

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Whiteman Air Force Base, Wings Over Whiteman, air show

A member of the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team checks the position of the aircraft June 13, 2015, during the Wings Over Whiteman air show at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. Just outside of the aircraft, winds rushed by at approximately 200 miles per hour and the temperature inside dropped. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jazmin Smith/Released)

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Whiteman Air Force Base, Wings Over Whiteman, air show

A member of the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team launches out of the aircraft June 13, 2015, during the Wings Over Whiteman air show at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. Flares emitting red smoke were attached to the Golden Knights’ boots to ignite once they jumped out. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jazmin Smith/Released)

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Whiteman Air Force Base, Wings Over Whiteman, air show

A member of the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team prepares to jump June 13, 2015, during the Wings Over Whiteman air show at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. The series of jumps was performed by a team of nine soldiers who travel in support of public relations efforts. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Jazmin Smith/Released)

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'Wings Over Whiteman' wows crowds

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds perform an aeronautical demonstration at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., June 13, 2015. The F-16 fighting falcon has key features to include a frameless bubble canopy for increased visibility, side-mounted control stick to ease control while maneuvering and the use of a relaxed static stability control system to help make it a nimble aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Keenan Berry/Released)

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'Wings Over Whiteman' wows crowds

Visitors from across America view aircraft June 13, 2015, during the Wings Over Whiteman air show at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. The air show is a public event at which aviators display their flying skills and the capabilities of their aircraft to spectators, usually by means of aerobatics. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Brigitte N. Brantley/Released)

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'Wings Over Whiteman' wows crowds

Published June 13, 2015
By 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Tens of thousands of people from across America came to Whiteman Air Force Base June 13 to witness the first day of the "Wings Over Whiteman" air show.

The air show serves as a way to let the public interact with the men and women of the U.S. military as well as get a glimpse of static displays and aerial acts.