With blue skies thunder booms overhead at Gowen Field. After more than 20 years Gowen Thunder returns to the City of Trees. A spokeswoman for the Idaho Air National Guard says since 9/11 they've been busy focusing on their mission to protect and serve and now they're making up for lost time.
"We've kind of lost touch with the community a little bit so that's what our focus is to bring all the members of the community from the Treasure Valley out to Gowen Filed let them learn about the army and the air and what we do not only for our state mission but our federal mission," said Second Lieutenant Cassie Morlock of the 124th Fighter Wing.
More than 40 aircrafts are on display with dozens taking flights performing breathtaking aerial acrobatic feats. Some of the jets that took to the skies include A-10 Thunderbolts and F-16 Fighting Falcons made famous by the Air Force Thunderbirds. Many in attendance are overjoyed to see the show return to the Treasure Valley.
"We don't have to drive clear out to mountain home so I'm liking it it's pretty cool and close to home," said Boise resident David Lamoreaux.
The Air Force's newest plane, the F-35 Lightning, was also on display. While the pilots flew them up from Utah on Friday they're not flying during the air show. With Gowen Field being a possible home for the aircraft, pilots and their crew took lots of questions from the public about the jets including just how loud they can be. While city leaders and National Guard officials are still in discussions on bringing the fighter jet to Boise, pilots say they're happy to be taking part in Gowen Thunder.
"Personally I love Boise but it's great to be up here and frankly we're hoping Gowen Field gets the F-35 cause the airspace here is second to none," said Captain Robert Bells an F-35 pilot.
You can still catch the excitement Sunday for day two of Gowen Thunder, events will run from 8:30 to 4:30
