Media release from BBIG Marketing:
Extension of the runway at Richard B. Russell Regional Airport will enable the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds to spend more time interacting with locals on the ground in April during the 2026 Spring Edition of the Wings Over North Georgia Air Show (WONG).
The Thunderbirds based at Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta during prior WONG performances because the Russell Regional Airport runway lengths didn’t meet requirements. The recent extension has been a game changer for the air show and other potential visitors.
The Airport now has a fully functional 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, 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. 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.
WONG springs forward to Rome, GA early this year following closely on the heels of a successful, civilian-only air show last October during the federal government shutdown. The October air show was to have featured the U.S Navy Blue Angels and other military acts, but their schedules were cancelled by the shutdown as “non-essential” functions.
John Cowman, president of event organizer JLC AirShow Management, secured a spring commitment date from the Thunderbirds for this year that has required a quick turnaround. WONG was fortunate to benefit from an open date in the Thunderbirds 2026 schedule. Cowman jumped at the opportunity.
The 2026 air show will take place for the first time in the spring instead of the standard fall season. 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.
The Thunderbirds team is the premier air demonstration squadron of the U.S. Air Force, based at Nellis Air Force Base, NV. The squadron was formed in 1953 and tours the United States and the world performing aerobatic formation and solo flying demonstrations.
Joining the Thunderbirds will be the first-time WONG performances by the Bayou Militia and Ghostwriter AirShows.
The 159th Fighter Wing (159 FW) is an F-15C Eagle unit of the Louisiana Air National Guard is stationed at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans. The unit is dubbed the “Bayou Militia.”
The four-ship 159 FW performances showcase powerful “show of force” demonstrations with high-speed passes and low approaches, offering a rare opportunity to see the legacy McDonnell Douglas F-15C models in action.
GhostWriter Airshows bills itself as a “three-act” performance team, demonstrating aerobatic prowess, a night flight featuring LED lights and pyrotechnics, as well as skywriting words or images up to 10 miles across.
Nathan K. Hammond pilots the GhostWriter aircraft, a 1956 deHavilland 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 2026 iteration of WONG are; Ladies for Liberty singing trio, the Fox Jet Sailplane, Kyle Fowler’s Long EZ experimental aircraft, Jive Kerby flying his T-28 Trojan, the Chuters Parachute Team, Veteran- 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.
Friday nights airshow will feature a 250th America’s Birthday Celebration Drone Show with an enormous Fireworks finale presented by Parker Systems!
Tickets for the WONG Air Show will be available at https://www.wingsovernorthgeorgia.com/guest-information/ticket-options. Tickets must be purchased online and in advance as no tickets will be sold on the day of the air show performances. For additional show information, follow the air show’s Facebook page or visit the Wings Over North Georgia website at https://www.WingsOverNorthGeorgia.com.
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