United States Air Force Thunderbirds

Since 1953, the Thunderbirds have showcased the pride and precision of the United States Air Force. The Thunderbirds history has reflected the development of American air power from the team’s first aircraft, the Republic Aviation F-84G “Thunderjet”, to its current use of the Lockheed Martin F-16 “Fighting Falcon”. The 1982 show season was the team’s grand debut of the red, white and blue F-16 Fighting Falcon.

The official mission of the United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron is to “plan and present precision aerial maneuvers to exhibit the capabilities of modern, high-performance aircraft and demonstrate the high degree of professional skill required to operate those aircraft.”

Within that broad mission are five specific objectives:

• Support Air Force recruiting and retention programs

• Reinforce public confidence in the Air Force by demonstrating the professional competence of Air Force members

• Strengthen morale and esprit de corps among Airmen

The missions, objectives and goals of the Thunderbird can be summarized in one word: ambassadors. The team is a group of traveling spokespersons for the Air Force. Performing at public venues tells the Air Force story, often to people in communities that have little interaction with America’s military. There will always be those who have yet to experience what American Airmen can do; the Thunderbirds are the ambassadors who show them.

Being one of the public faces of the United States Air Force is a monumental responsibility. This distinction carries with it an expectation of excellence, particularly when representing fellow Airmen. Like any Air Force unit, the pressure to perform is real.

Fans of the team include people of all ages, ethnicities and backgrounds. That’s because the Thunderbirds message is universal. Whether the message is received by a five-year-old child or the leader of a foreign country, the Ambassadors in Blue demonstrate a clear example of America’s air power.