The Thunderbirds perform for people all around the world to display the pride, precision and professionalism the U.S. Air Force represents. Through air shows and flyovers, they aim to excite and inspire.

Created 72 years ago in 1953, the USAF Thunderbirds are the third-oldest formal flying aerobatic team (under the same name) in the world, after the French Air Force Patrouille de France formed in 1931 and the United States Navy Blue Angels formed in 1946.

While admission to air shows on military installations is generally free and open to the public, the cost to attend civilian air shows may vary. Please visit the individual shows’ sites for prices and more information.

The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, performs precision aerial maneuvers demonstrating the capabilities of Air Force high performance aircraft to people throughout the world.

Dec 11, 2023 · The United States Air Force (USAF) Thunderbirds aerobatic display team ranks right up there with the French Patrouille de France, British Red Arrows, and the Italian Frecce Tricolori. Together with the United States Navy Blue Angels, the USAF Thunderbirds display the pride, precision, and professionalism of the USAF to people all around the world.

On May 25, 1953, just six years after the U.S. Air Force became its own branch of service, the Thunderbirds were born as the Air Force’s official air demonstration team. The team, designated the 3600th Air Demonstration Unit, was activated at Luke AFB, Arizona.

Aug 24, 2023 · This year, 2023, marks the 70th year of the United States Air Force’s Thunderbirds, officially known as the “U. S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron”. Over the years, eight specific aircraft types have flown demonstrations in front of millions of spectators.

Jul 24, 2017 · Officially, the Thunderbirds are known as the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron. The squadron’s mission is to plan and present precision aerial maneuvers to exhibit the capabilities...

Feb 5, 2025 · Entertaining crowds since 1953, the United States Air Force Thunderbirds are one of the world’s best known aerial demonstrations teams, dazzling spectators in their familiar red, white, and blue ...

The USAF Air Demonstration Squadron ("Thunderbirds") is the air demonstration squadron of the United States Air Force (USAF). The Thunderbirds are assigned to the 57th Wing, and are based at Nellis AFB, Nevada.