The prestigious U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds are set to touch down in Rome for the upcoming Wings Over North Georgia (WONG) Air Show, thanks to a substantial $5.7 million runway extension at Richard B. Russell Airport. The project, which has elongated the runway to a fully functional 7,010 feet, was completed just before Christmas and is funded by a special purpose local-option sales tax (SPLOST), Fox5Atlanta reported.
Prior showings saw the Thunderbirds, an elite demonstration squadron, operating out of Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta, as Rome's previous runway lengths did not meet their requirements. With the completion of the runway extension, the team can now station directly in Rome, bringing pilots and support crews into closer contact with the community. "The last asphalt on the runway extension was finished just before Christmas," John Carroll, the Airport Manager, shared with Coosa Valley News.
Breaking tradition, this year's air show moves from its usual fall timeframe to spring, with aerial displays scheduled for April 3 and 4. While the Thunderbirds hold the spotlight, the show also features debut performances from the Bayou Militia, an F-15C Eagle unit from the Louisiana Air National Guard, and GhostWriter Airshows, comprising aerobatics and LED-lit night flights by Nathan K. Hammond, in his modified "Super Chipmunk," as reported by Fox5Atlanta.
Sunday performances were foregone by the organizers to allow local families and residents to observe the Easter holiday. The show also promises a Friday Night Special featuring a drone show celebrating America's 250th birthday, followed by fireworks. Details on ticket availability, which must be purchased in advance online, can be found on the official Wings Over North Georgia website, as noted by Coosa Valley News.
Anticipation is high for the upcoming event, not just for the high-flying maneuvers but for the community engagement it brings. Thunderbirds' presence on the ground will include an open-to-the-public reception, school visits, and a special recognition flight for a local "Hometown Hero."
