PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE HOSTS THUNDERBIRDS IN PREPARATION FOR USAFA GRADUATION FLYOVER (Photo) - 05/19/26

PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. – The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, will be available for media interviews at Peterson Space Force Base on May 26 as they prepare to perform a flyover during the U.S. Air Force Academy graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 28.

On Tuesday, May 26, media representatives are invited to attend and capture imagery as the Thunderbirds conclude a site survey of the Academy and then land at Peterson SFB. This event will provide an opportunity to capture video footage and images of the iconic F-16 Fighting Falcons and the skilled pilots and support crew who make the Thunderbirds’ mission possible. Planeside interviews with Thunderbirds pilots will also be offered, starting at 2:00 p.m. This engagement will provide valuable insights into the team's rigorous training, precision flying, and dedication to representing the United States Air Force.

Serving as America's premier air demonstration team, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds are an elite 135-member unit representing 31 different career fields. Performing at more than 30 locations each year, the team flies six signature red, white, and blue F-16 fighter jets in tight formation to execute breathtaking aerial maneuvers. These demonstrations showcase the precision, professionalism, and global readiness of the U.S. Air Force, demonstrating the exceptional capabilities of its advanced fighter jets and highly skilled Airmen. Acting as ambassadors, the Thunderbirds connect with communities worldwide to inspire excellence and a new generation of pilots.

In order to register for access to the installation, media representatives interested in attending must RSVP to Space Base Delta 1 Public Affairs at SBD1.PA@spaceforce.mil Please identify specific names for media professionals who plan to attend no later than 2:00 p.m. MST on Friday, May 22.

Media who have RSVP’d should meet at the Peterson SFB West Gate Visitor Center located at 1334 Stewart Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80914, no later than 1:00 p.m.
May 26. From there media will be escorted via government vehicles on base. Due to current base security measures, media who have not RSVP’d will not be granted access.

-30-

//UPDATED RSVP DATE// SPACE BASE DELTA 1 COMMANDER INVITES MEDIA TO ANNUAL STATE OF THE BASE ADDRESS (Photo) - 05/15/26

PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. – Col. Kenneth F. L. Klock, commander of Space Base Delta 1, headquartered at Peterson Space Force Base, invites media to attend the SBD 1 annual state of the base address May 19 from 10:30 a.m. - noon.

This year's address will focus on the current state and future of SBD 1 including Peterson Space Force Base, Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station, Pituffik Space Base, Greenland, and Maui Space Surveillance Complex, Hawaii.

In his annual address, Klock will highlight the essential mission of SBD 1, emphasizing the pivotal role in enabling operations and securing space access for the nation and its allied partners. The address will cover, quantify the installations’ economic influence on the region, and articulate why space operations are fundamental to Colorado Springs. The goal is to educate local leaders about the installations’ mission, current affairs, and promote a mutual understanding between military leadership and the Pikes Peak community.

SBD 1 plays a pivotal role in the Colorado economy, with an economic impact of nearly $2.7 billion. More than $800 million of this impact comes from approximately 8,160 employees’ salaries. The remainder is paid out through contracts, services, utilities, materials, and construction. The base also provides services for more than 23,000 military retirees in the local area.
Klock will be available for a short Q&A session with the media following the conclusion of his address.

In order to register for access to the installation, media representatives interested in attending must RSVP to Space Base Delta 1 Public Affairs at SBD1.PA@spaceforce.mil Please identify specific names and contact numbers for media professionals who plan to attend no later than noon MST on May 18.

Media who have RSVP’d should meet at the Peterson SFB West Gate Visitor Center located at 1334 Stewart Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80914, no later than 9 a.m. on the date of the event. From there media will be escorted via government vehicles on base. Due to current base security measures, media who have not RSVP’d will not be granted access.

-30-

INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITY: PETERSON SFB TEEN NAMED 2026 COLORADO STATE YOUTH OF THE YEAR (Photo) - 05/06/26

PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. – Local media are invited to interview 17-year-old Jasmine L. Toney, the newly named 2026 Colorado State Youth of the Year representing Peterson Space Force Base. Jasmine’s journey is a powerful testament to the resilience of military children, overcoming severe personal trauma to become a leading voice and advocate for military-connected youth. She will represent Colorado at the Regional competition in Dallas, Texas, this month.

Toney is a dynamic youth leader whose life is defined by profound purpose and resilience. At age 14, she survived a devastating house fire in the middle of a Colorado winter. Alongside navigating her parents' separation, her father's medical retirement due to Multiple Sclerosis, and her own severe sports injury, Jasmine utilized the Peterson Space Force Base Youth Center as her "home away from home" for 13 years. The center provided the stability and mentorship necessary to overcome these setbacks.

Today, Toney is a powerhouse of advocacy with an extensive list of accomplishments to include but not limited to interning at the Colorado State Capitol House of Representatives, advocating for equitable policy to being the Founder and President of her high school’s Black Student Union and Blue Crew.

Media outlets interested in speaking with Toney should reach out to Space Base Delta 1 Public Affairs at SBD1.PA@spaceforce.mil to generate this request.

-30-