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Thunderbirds: Quick Facts

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News •

Blue Angels, Thunderbirds soar at NAS Jax Air Show • Oct. 17, 2026, 7:21 PM ET (The Florida Times-Union)

Facts

Also Known As U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron
Date May 1953 - present
Areas Of Involvement airplane • formation flying • F-16

Photos

Two F-16 Fighting Falcons of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds aerobatic squadron performing a "calypso" maneuver over Ellsworth Air Force Base, Rapid City, S.D., May 30, 2009.
Four U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds jets with red, white, and blue markings fly in tight formation against a blue sky.
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