U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds

Pride in the Sky

Returning to Huntington Beach for the fourth time is the pride of the Air Force, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. Flying Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcons, the Thunderbirds perform with mind-bending precision and choreographed sequences that electrify audiences with every roll, pass and formation!

The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, which is its official name, was formed in 1947, and became the official air demonstration team in 1953. Since then, hundreds of experienced fighter pilots have served as America’s Ambassadors in Blue, displaying patriotism, precision and professionalism in the skies.

Each Thunderbird squadron includes six expert fighter pilots who perform the aerial acrobatics, often flying in formation with wingtips only a few feet apart. The team includes an operations officer, an advance pilot and narrator, and four support officers. Each Thunderbird team member serves a tour of duty from two to four years and could perform in airshows all over the world.