JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Texas –
Brittany Morin, founder and chief executive officer of Brit and Company, flew with the U.S. Air Force "Thunderbirds" aerial demonstration team Nov. 4 prior to the start of the 2017 Joint Base San Antonio Air Show and Open House at Kelly Field on Port San Antonio.
The flight, a once in a lifetime opportunity, provides candidates like Morin to experience the high-performing capabilities of an F-16 Fighting Falcon and understand the war-fighting capabilities of today’s Air Force.
Prior to her flight, Morin went through safety training and a pre-flight health screening. Afterwards, Morin was impressed with American air power and the way the Thunderbirds work in unison as a team to make the mission happen.
“This (flight) was amazing,” Morin said. “To see the teamwork and dedication by the entire Thunderbirds team up close and personal just blew me away."
Morin got the opportunity to see what American airpower looks like and see the Thunderbirds’ team working together and what they represent, Lt. Col. Kevin Walsh, Thunderbird #7 and the team's operations officer, said.
"Brit was a rock star," Walsh said. "She pulled 9.3 G's with no problem. It was an honor to have her fly with us today."
The Thunderbirds are scheduled to perform at the air show Nov. 4 and 5, with the ground show beginning at 2:35 p.m. with an approximately 3 p.m. takeoff both days. The team’s performance in San Antonio will mark their 37th show of the year.
Formed in 1953 at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., and now based at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., the Air Force’s aerial demonstration team is also known as “America’s Ambassadors in Blue.” The team is comprised of nearly 130 Airmen who travel around the country throughout the year, performing aerial demonstrations at air shows, visit local schools and hospitals, hosting enlistment ceremonies and engaging with media and the community in order to spread the Air Force’s story.
For more information about the Thunderbirds, visit www.afthunderbirds.com.
To get the latest information about the 2017 JBSA Air Show and Open House, visit www.jbsaairshow.com or follow Joint Base San Antonio on Facebook (JointBaseSanAntonio) or on Twitter (@JBSA_Official).