Thunderbirds, Blue Angels Set to Begin ‘11 Season

February 3, 2011—They’re fast, they’re graceful and they’re elite. And chances are, they are performing somewhere near you in 2011. The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron’s Thunderbirds will perform nearly 70 shows in 25 states, one U.S. territory, and 10 European countries this season. In addition, the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels are scheduled to perform 67 shows at 35 locations throughout the United States. Both seasons officially begin in March and end in November. However, the Thunderbird’s 58th season will kick off by performing a flyover for the 53rd running of the Daytona 500 on February 20. A Thunderbirds aerial demonstration is a mix of formation flying and solo routines. The pilots perform approximately 40 maneuvers in a demonstration. “Our team is anxious to get on the road to represent the nearly 700,000 Airmen serving today,” said Lt. Col. Case Cunningham, Thunderbird No. 1, Commander/Leader. “We take pride in all they do, and the manner in which they are doing it, with integrity and excellent, while placing service before self, time and time again.” The Thunderbirds is composed of eight pilots (including six demonstration pilots), four support officers, four civilians, and about 110 enlisted people performing in more than 29 Air Force specialties. The Blue Angles, celebrating its 65th season, is composed of 16 officers and a support team that is made up of the events coordinator, maintenance officer, flight surgeon, administrative officer, public affairs officer, supply Officer and approximately 110 enlisted Navy and Marine Corps volunteers. Its show includes a demonstration of the C-130’s maximum performance capabilities, a four-jet Diamond Formation, high-performance maneuvers of its two solo pilots and the six-jet Delta Formation. Both teams’ mission is to enhance military recruiting efforts and exhibit the capabilities of modern, war-fighting aircraft. Click for the Blue Angels schedule or the Thunderbirds schedule.

The U.S. Air Force Demonstration Squadron’s Thunderbirds soar through the sky with precision. Photo credit: Thunderbirds The Blue Angels perform its six-jet Delta Formation. Photo credit: Blue Angels

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