Air Force
GalleryAir Force Thunderbirds earn final certification to begin 2026 air show season
Stars and Stripes
March 8, 2026
The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron “Thunderbirds” perform maneuvers for leaders of Air Combat Command, the U.S. Air Force Warfare Center and 57th Fighter Wing at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., March 5, 2026. (Zachary Foster/U.S. Air Force)
The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds, has earned its final certification ahead of the 2026 air show season, authorizing the team to perform for public audiences across the nation.
The final certification came from Gen. Adrian Spain, commander of Air Combat Command on Thursday, according to a service news release.
“This certification is the culmination of a rigorous training season, and it is a testament to the skill, motivation and attitude this team shows up with every day,” Spain said. “They have earned the honor of representing the U.S. Air Force and showcasing the excellence and discipline we expect from every airman.”
U.S. Air Force Gen. Adrian Spain, commander of Air Combat Command, evaluates the USAF Air Demonstration Squadron “Thunderbirds” performance at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. March 5, 2026. (Zachary Foster/U.S. Air Force)
Maintenance personnel assigned to the United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron “Thunderbirds” prepare aircraft for the team’s certification at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., March 5, 2026. (Zachary Foster/U.S. Air Force)
The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron “Thunderbirds” perform their “Low Bomb Burst” manuever during the team’s certification at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., March 5, 2026. (Zachary Foster/U.S. Air Force)
U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Tyler Clark, Thunderbird 4/Slot Pilot assigned to the USAF Air Demonstration Squadron “Thunderbirds,” performs a “lightning take-off” during the team’s certification at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., March 5, 2026. (Zachary Foster/U.S. Air Force)
With all required certifications now complete, the Thunderbirds are cleared to begin this year’s season. The first show is scheduled for March 21-22 at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona.
The Thunderbirds conducted two months of training at the team’s home station, Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, before deploying roughly 70 team members, nine F-16s and equipment across three locations: Spaceport America, N.M.; Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.; and Naval Air Facility El Centro, Calif.
While training at NAF El Centro, the team received certification from the Federal Aviation Administration, confirming it meets the agency’s strict federal safety standards.
The Thunderbirds are the official air demonstration team of the U.S. Air Force. Their mission is to showcase the precision, professionalism and capabilities of the Air Force through aerial demonstration performances at air shows and public events around the world.
For more information on the “Thunderbirds” and dates for upcoming shows, visit their website at http://www.airforce.com/thunderbirds.