Fleet Week and Air Sea Show Storm Ft. Lauderdale
Event kicks off Military Appreciation Month

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL (March 12, 2007) – The McDonald’s® Air & Sea Show® presented by CBS4 and Fleet Week USA® presented by McDonald’s® is set to land in Fort Lauderdale April 30 – May 6, 2007 with a series of thrilling military and civilian activities, featuring the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. Celebrating its 13th year, the event will undoubtedly excite spectators, plus serve as a catalyst to raise awareness and funds for a number of local organizations.

“The McDonald’s Air & Sea Show presented by CBS4 and Fleet Week USA presented by McDonald’s are family-friendly signature events that have heightened the popularity of South Florida throughout the United States and beyond,” says Mickey Markoff, executive producer of the McDonald’s® National Salute of America’s HeroesSM.

“Now in our 13th year, we strive to inspire and honor the men and women serving in our armed forces, as well as to excite and enlighten the general public.”

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, known for their high-speed maneuvers, will perform precise aerial drills to exhibit the capabilities of modern high-performance aircrafts and the degree of professional skill required to operate them. This year, the Thunderbirds are commemorating the 60th anniversary of the U.S. Air Force, representing over 500,000 men and women serving within the country and abroad.

The current-day “Thunderbird” aircraft, a name influenced by the strong Indian culture where the Air Force’s official air demonstration team was activated, is an F-16 aircraft that has remained the choice of the squadron for the past 20 years. It is a stellar performer for the demonstration team, the U.S. Air Force and the 24 other nations whose boundaries it patrols and defends.

Other crowd favorites that will make this year’s event a great success are the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team and the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps “Invasion of the Beach” joint forces military exercise, which involves multiple aircraft, amphibious vehicles and Marines storming the beach in full battle gear.

Additional demonstrations will include the United States Air Force’s B-2 Stealth Bomber, A-10 Warthog, F-18 Super Hornet and more. Attendees will also witness exciting civilian activities, such as the Red Baron Pizza Squadron® and the Sean Tucker Team Oracle Challenger and more.

As part of its strong commitment to the community, the McDonald’s® Air & Sea Show® presented by CBS4 will partner with local organizations to present a variety of educational and fundraising programs, including a first-time ticket sale program sponsored by Publix to benefit the Florida Panthers Foundation. McDonald’s Air & Sea Show fans can purchase tickets for $30, which affords them with access to a beachfront chalet that includes the convenience of concessions, restrooms and the limited opportunity to separate serious spectators from the crowd. To purchase tickets, visit www.nationalsalute.com or call 954-241-7934.

In addition, there will be a veteran’s tribute, community awards and scholarship presentations, art competition and exhibit and more. Partnering organizations and beneficiaries include the African American Research Library and Cultural Center, ArtServe, Cops for Kids, Broward County Public Schools, Broward County Veterans Council, Neighbors 4 Neighbors, The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale and The Starting Place.

The McDonald’s Air and Sea Show presented by CBS4 runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sat., May 5 and Sun. May 6 along the 4 miles of beach from Oakland Park Boulevard to Las Olas Boulevard. Fleet Week USA® presented by McDonald’s® precedes with public celebrations and special events starting on Mon., April 30.

The McDonald’s Air & Sea Show presented by CBS4 and Fleet Week USA presented by McDonald’s, as part of the McDonald’s® National Salute to America’s HeroesSM, pays tribute to the brave men and women who serve in all five branches of our armed forces. Since its inception in 1995, the show’s goals have been to encourage patriotism, assist the U.S. military in recruiting efforts, generate national exposure and revenue for sponsors and showcase South Florida with a world class event. The show is the official kick-off to National Military Appreciation Month held each May.