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Tops in Blue performs at Spangdahlem

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Luke Kitterman
  • 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany --  More than 400 Spangdahlem community members watched the Air Force's Expeditionary Entertainment Unit, Tops in Blue, perform in Hangar 1 at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, Sept. 22, 2015.

The team covered numerous songs from different genres and multiple decades, ranging from jazz to rock 'n' roll. The ensemble is made up of nearly 40 active-duty Airmen performing together as vocalists, musicians, dancers and lighting, audio and stage technicians.

Becoming a member of the group requires passing several stages of auditioning.

According to the Tops in Blue organization, Airmen stationed worldwide compete in a multilevel competition for the right to be selected as a member of the team. Chosen individuals then begin practicing together during a 60-day training period at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.

Spangdahlem had one of its own, an Airman from the 52nd Logistics Readiness Squadron, selected as a technician on the team.

"This was my first time being part of Tops in Blue," said U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Mason Hack, 52nd LRS vehicle operator and Tops in Blue technician. "A lot of work from everybody went into this performance tonight to make it run smoothly."

The group is responsible for transporting, loading, unloading and setting up more than 65,000 pounds of staging, lighting, audio, video and special effects equipment required for each performance.

However, according to Hack, the workload for the team members is worth the end result.

"The best part of the show for me is at the end when everyone stood up together during 'Freedom's Song' and you feel the patriotism in the audience and performers," Hack said. "It's a great moment for all of us."

Tops in Blue performed at Spangdahlem as part of their seven-month tour, which includes over 75 performances in more than 20 countries.