Air Force
GalleryThunderbirds headline 2026 Columbus Air Show
Stars and Stripes
June 23, 2026
Four U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron “Thunderbirds” fly in formation during the Columbus Air Show at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Columbus, Ohio on June 19, 2026. (Samir Harris/U.S. Air Force)
The Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Ohio hosted the 2026 Columbus Air Show this past weekend.
The show was headlined by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds flying F-16 Fighting Falcons and featured various attractions, including aerial demonstrations, ground displays and flight experiences.
Other demonstrations included the Scotts Aviation Showcase static exhibition with a curated line-up of historic aircraft, the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team and a finale celebrating “America 250.”
The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron “Thunderbirds” fly a six-ship delta formation during the Columbus Air Show at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Columbus, Ohio on June 19, 2026. (Samir Harris/U.S. Air Force)
The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron “Thunderbirds” execute their signature “Delta Burst” maneuver during the Columbus Air Show at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Columbus, Ohio on June 20, 2026. (Samir Harris/U.S. Air Force)
U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron “Thunderbirds” crew chiefs stand alongside F-16 Fighting Falcons before taxiing out for a performance during the Columbus Air Show at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Columbus, Ohio on June 19, 2026. (Samir Harris/U.S. Air Force)
A U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron “Thunderbirds” F-16 Fighting Falcon sits parked on the flightline with its pilot inside during the Columbus Air Show at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Columbus, Ohio on June 19, 2026. (Samir Harris/U.S. Air Force)
A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II, assigned to the F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team, performs precision aerial maneuvers during the Columbus Air Show at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Columbus, Ohio on June 19, 2026. (Samir Harris/U.S. Air Force)
A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II, assigned to the F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team, flies alongside a vintage P-38 Lightning during a heritage flight formation at the Columbus Air Show, Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Columbus, Ohio on June 19, 2026. (Samir Harris/U.S. Air Force)
U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Justin M. Pendleton, F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team chief, conducts a cockpit tour for Airman Phyel Richardson during the Columbus Air Show at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Columbus, Ohio on June 19, 2026. (Samir Harris/U.S. Air Force)
Sgt. Sloan Kanat of the U.S. Army Parachute Team, the Golden Knights, and her mother, Kim Kanat of the Misty Blues All-Women Skydiving Team, participated in a baton pass demonstration during the Columbus Air Show on June 19, 2026. (Sara Garavuso/U.S. Army)