ROME, Georgia — Extension of the runway at Richard B. Russell Regional Airport (KRMG) will enable the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds to spend more time interacting with air show fans on the ground in April during the Wings Over North Georgia Air Show.
In the past, the Thunderbirds were based at Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta because KRMG’s runway didn’t meet the team’s length requirements, according to airport officials, who say the extension is a “game changer.”
The airport now has a 7,010-foot runway thanks to a $5.7 million improvement project funded with SPLOST (special purpose, local-option sales tax) funding. The last asphalt on the runway extension was finished just before Christmas 2025, according to Airport Manager John Carroll.
This year, Rome will host the Thunderbirds for the first time without the need to station the team at Dobbins ARB, organizers noted. Pilots and support crew will be able to participate in community events and engage with locals prior to air show performances. This includes an open-to-the-public reception, visits with local students, hosting a local non-profit organization, and honoring a local “Hometown Hero” for a recognition flight.
The air show springs forward early this year following closely on the heels of a civilian-only air show last October during the federal government shutdown. The October air show was to have featured the Blue Angels and other military acts, but their schedules were cancelled by the shutdown as “non-essential” functions.
According to John Cowman, president of event organizer JLC AirShow Management, the air show was fortunate to benefit from an open date in the Thunderbirds 2026 schedule. Cowman jumped at the opportunity, forcing the air show to move to the spring.
Flying demonstrations will take place Friday, April 3, and Saturday, April 4. Organizers opted to forego hosting a show on Sunday as many in the area will attend religious services and spend time with their families to celebrate Easter, officials noted.
Joining the Thunderbirds will be the Bayou Militia, the 159th Fighter Wing of the Louisiana Air National Guard, which is stationed at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans.
Also on the bill is Nathan K. Hammond in his GhostWriter aircraft, a 1956 de Havilland Chipmunk originally designed as a trainer for the Royal Canadian Air Force now modified as a “Super Chipmunk” for aerobatics and skywriting.
Also on board for the April show are: The Fox Jet Sailplane, Kyle Fowler’s Long EZ experimental aircraft, Jive Kerby flying his T-28 Trojan, the Chuters Parachute Team, Buck Roatman in his new Yak 52, the Smoke N Thunder Jet Car and Jet Truck, the Outlaw Jet Team, the Georgia State Patrol SWAT Team, and the vintage Class of ‘45, Scott Yoak’s P-51D Mustang and Jim Tobul’s F4U Corsair.
For more information: WingsOverNorthGeorgia.com
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