Stationed at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, Nev., the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, "Thunderbirds," performs precision aerial maneuvers to demonstrate the capabilities of the nation’s fleet of modern, high-performance combat aircraft and professional qualities of 530,000 Airmen, people who provide American air and space power around the globe.

The Thunderbirds squadron is an Air Combat Command unit comprised of eight pilots (six are demonstration pilots), four support officers, approximately 120 Active-duty, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve enlisted members; and four civilians performing in more than 27 different career fields.

The squadron performs no more than 88 air demonstrations each year and has never canceled a performance due to maintenance difficulties. Since the unit's inception in 1953, more than 315 million people in all 50 states and 60 foreign countries have witnessed the red, white, and blue jets at more than 4,000 official air demonstrations.

Officers display American Airpower Months of preparation, years of training and a lifetime of dreaming are condensed into an hour and 15 minute Thunderbird air demonstration. Twelve officers are at the center of a show designed to inspire the young, instill confidence in the old, and make Americans everywhere proud of their Air Force... more information>>

Enlisted/Civilians—backbone of America's Team Whether it's war or an air demonstration, lives and mission accomplishment hang in the balance every time an aircraft leaves the runway. More than 120 enlisted members in 27 career fields ensure the Thunderbirds are mission-ready every time the team flies... more information>>

Showtime A Thunderbirds air demonstration is a mix of six aircraft, performing formation flying and solo routines. The four-aircraft diamond formation demonstrates the training and precision of Air Force pilots, while the solos highlight the maximum capabilities of the Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon... Public Relations Video>>

Thunderbirds Legend Lives On For 53 years, the Thunderbirds have been showing America its Air Force, displaying their talent in every state in the union and 60 countries around the world. More than 315 million people have witnessed their breath-taking ability in more than 4,000 air demonstrations... more information>>

'Once a Thunderbird, Always A Thunderbird' Being a Thunderbird is intense and meticulous and few get the chance to flourish the colors of freedom as a member of “America’s Team.” The Thunderbirds Alumni Association promotes camaraderie and fellowship between Alumni and active team members... more information>>