DALTON, Ga. — Air Force F-16s will fill the air over the Dalton Municipal Airport in May as part of the Wings Over Dalton Air Show.

John Cowman, president of JLC AirShow Management in Rome, said the U.S. Air Combat Command F-16 Viper Demonstration Team has been confirmed for the May 9-10, 2020, show as well as the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team.

“We did not sign an agreement (with the City of Dalton) for the show until October, so that put us off to a late start,” said Cowman, the organizer of the event. “To be able to get this level of a lineup so late in the season actually surprised me a little bit.”

The F-16 Fighting Falcon, known as the “Viper” by many of its pilots, can reach speeds in excess of twice the speed of sound. Maj. Garrett Schmitz is the commander for the Viper Demonstration Team, which is based at Shaw Air Force Base in Sumter, South Carolina.

After the team’s demonstration, a P-51D Mustang will join Schmitz for the U.S. Air Force Heritage Flight, which shows the evolution of the U.S. Air Force air power by flying today’s state-of-the art fighter aircraft in close formation with vintage fighter planes. According to a press release, “the Mustang was first introduced in Western Europe during World War II. The aircraft often served as an escort for heavy bombers during missions over Axis territories.”

The Golden Knights will kick off the opening ceremonies on both days. Consisting of some of the best parachutists in the Army, the team will “launch the start of aerial performances during the national anthem and will later return for a full demonstration,” according to the press release.

Cowman had previously announced several other performers:

• The Tora, Tora, Tora Demonstration Team will recreate the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, with eight to 10 World War II-era aircraft accompanied by more than 60 pyrotechnics effects.

• Patty Wagstaff, a six-time member of the U.S. Aerobatic Team who has won gold, silver and bronze medals in international aerobatic competitions.

• Veteran pilot Buck Roetman.

• Dash Aerosports pilot and air race champion Scott Farnsworth.

“We expect more performers, but we won’t have everything finalized until about February,” Cowman said. “But what we have got now is pretty top of the line.”

Airport parking lots will open at 8:30 a.m. each day, with the gates opening to guests at 9:30 a.m. The opening ceremonies will kickoff each day at noon, followed by the first flying performances at 12:30 p.m.

Advance tickets, parking, sponsor and exhibitor information is available at WingsOverDaltonGA.com. The show can also be found on Facebook.