Thunder Over Dover: 2017 Dover AFB Open House
The United States Air Force Thunderbirds will return to the Dover skies August 26-27, 2017, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. for the Thunder Over Dover: 2017 Dover AFB Open House. This event is open to the public with free admission!
Help celebrate our heritage at this open house as Dover AFB will be celebrating its 75th Anniversary, the U.S. Air Force’s 70th Anniversary, and the City of Dover’s 300th Anniversary!
This page will be updated as more information is provided. Demonstrations and acts are subject to change.
Aerial Demonstrations
- United States Air Force Thunderbirds
- Wings of Blue
- SOC Black Daggers Jump Team
- C-17 Globemaster III Demo Team
- B-2 Spirit
- C-130 Hercules
- C-21
- More to come!
Static Displays
- U.S. Air Force Recruiting
- C-5M Super Galaxy
- C-17 Globemaster III
- Air Mobility Command Museum’s Aircraft
- F-15E Strike Eagle
- Massey Air Museum
- WWII Glider
- Boeing Stearman WWII Trainer
- Havilland Tiger Moth WWII Trainer
- More to come!
Parking
This information will be updated as it becomes available.
What to Bring
- Hearing protection
- Sunscreen
- Comfortable shoes
- Water bottle/canteen (free water available)
- Binoculars
- Handheld camera or camcorder
- Camera bags no larger than 12″x12″
- Strollers
- Folding chairs or stools
Prohibited Items
All visitors are subject to search by Security Forces at any time on the installation and will NOT be allowed to pass through security with any of the following items:
- Weapons of any kind, including pocket knives, pocket tools, scissors, box cutters, billy clubs, large-heavy chain-link, jewelry or belts, mace and pepper spray
- Firearms of any type
- Toys that resemble firearms
- Fireworks
- Spray paint and silly string
- Glass containers of any kind
- Alcohol
- Illegal drugs
- Bicycles
- Skateboards, heelies, roller skates or roller blades
- Coolers
- Large umbrellas/portable tents
- Backpacks, ruck sacks
- Pets (Service animals allowed)
Additional Information
Please understand that this is a Dover Air Force Base event and that the AMC Museum can not immediately answer questions you may have regarding the Open House. If you do have a question, you may contact Dawne Nickerson-Banez, Community Relations at the Base Public Affair office, at 677-6575.
Check out the base’s Thunder Over Dover page for any additional information regarding the Open House.
21 Comments
Where will we sit, on the base or on the Museum grounds?
This is still being talked about. We’ll update the page when more information is provided.
What time will the Thunderbirds perform each day?
The Thunderbirds are the last act for each day, so a little after 3 p.m.
Joe Riggs : I was the crew chief of 56-309 and was part of the move to Suffolk,I’m sure our paths crossed many times in Dover.
Jim Roberts
No back packs/ rucksacks! What about a Vera Bradley back pack baby bag?
Great question! We’ll ask for further clarification.
You may call Dawne Nickerson-Banez at 677-6575 for further clarification on what kind of bags you may bring.
I was a Hound Dog (AGM-28A) Missile Crew Chief many years ago and would like to know if any Hound Dog veterans plan to attend the Thunderbird shows at Dover this year.
Dear Sirs, The last time I saw Airshow at Dover AFB was in the late 1980’s. I was stationed there from 1980 to 1990. I am now planning to take my Grandchildren. I would like ask two questions. Q1- The show last two days, is there a daily breakdown of events and is the main show on Sunday. Q2- Is the back 9 gate to the Museum going to be open and is there parking near the Museum.
Hello Steven,
Both Saturday and Sunday will have the Thunderbirds putting on a finale. Details such as parking for the air show are still being worked and will be released for public knowledge at a later date.
Will there be an F-15 at the show? My son want’s to know.
Hi Andy,
Currently we’re unsure of what the other demonstrations or static displays will be at this time other than what’s listed. As we get closer to the event date we recommend you checking back here or visiting Dover AFB’s Thunder Over Dover website for the latest information. However, eight years ago when Dover had its previous open house, a F-15E Strike Eagle was on static display so keep your fingers crossed!
I was stationed at Dover AFB Aug 1953- Jan 1957. With the 46th Fighter Interceptor Squadron. F-94C.
Would love to hear from anybody from that time.
I know the museum is normally free. Does anyone know if there will be a charge for this?
The Dover AFB Open House will be free to the public.
Can’t wait. I don’t even remember when the last open house was held at Dover. Always a great time, in any case.
Gary, the last open house held at Dover AFB was in 2009. We are long overdue and looking forward to a great event this year!
I was stationed at Dover with the 98th F.I.S. ,love going back to look at the planes on display as well as catch some of the “touch n go” by the current ones stationed there
Hi Jim,
I was with the 98th F.I.S. from April 1961 until May 1963 serving as an aircraft electrician. When the Squadron went to Suffolk County AFB on Long Island, I headed to Thule.
Joe Riggs
I was stationed at Dover AFB and got Married there love to go back and see how much has changed