Fall 2023

116 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • F A L L 2 0 2 3 precision flying group will perform at 33 events and airshows across the nation in 2023. “We travel 300 days a year,” says Thunderbirds Public Affairs Officer, USAF Captain Kaitlin “Agent” Toner.TheThunderbirds consist of a total of 135 individuals, 70 of whom travel with eight aircraft. They are a tightly knit and extremely profession- al outfit. “'Blind Trust’ is our motto,” Toner says. “That means trusting that the pilots have safe and effective aircraft for their performances.We all have to do our jobs to the best our abilities and we strive for perfection.” At each performance, the Thunderbirds choose one community member as a “Hometown Hero” and honor them with a backseat ride in one of their F-16s. “These are normal people doing extraordinary things,” Toner says.“With the organizer’s help, we select someone from the community who really showcases the values of service. It can be a teacher, a person who volunteers at a soup kitchen—people who help their community in a selfless manner.” In addition to theThunderbirds, the Canadian Snowbirds flying team will perform their act, and, once again, crowds will thrill to the sights and sounds of the magnificent US Navy F-35 Lightning jets. For more information, call 831/754-1983 or visit www.salinasairshow.com . An Exceptional Evening at Maverick’s Lounge F riday evening features Maverick’s Lounge, “The Hottest Ticket in Town.” “In addition to putting on a world-class airshow, we put on a unique culinary event,” Airshow President Karen Curtis says. The event is held in the President’s Tent and will feature 25 of Monterey County’s finest chefs offering up dishes aligned with the “Bacon, Bourbon and Brews” theme, accompanied by spirit, wine and microbrew tastings. But what sets this affair apart is the fact that it’s held at the Salinas air- port the evening before the California International Airshow. “Maverick’s highlights with a mini airshow,” Curtis says. “This year marks one of the very few shows where the Canadian Snowbirds jet team will be doing a twilight show.” The Red Bull Air Force will make an appearance along with some surprise perform- ances. The evening concludes with a dramatic fireworks display and dancing under the stars.“Maverick’s is a culinary event like no other,” she adds, “with an airshow on the side.” True to its name as the California International Airshow, the Royal Canadian Air Force 431 Air Demonstration Squadron— better known as the Snowbirds—take to the skies above Salinas. The team flies nine CT-114 Tutor jets. Photo: All Canada Photos/Alamy Stock Photo Tony Baker and Ivan Guadarrama Photo: Alex Garcia, Mag One Media