Airshow Performances

Dramatic aerial images of fighter jets performing precision maneuvers during airshows, highlighted by trails of smoke in vibrant skies.

Sioux Falls, San Diego - The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds perform a 6-ship formation flyby during a 2003 airshow. The team performs precision aerial maneuvers to exhibit the capabilities of modern high-performance aircraft to audiences throughout the world.

The U.S. Naval Flight Demonstration Squadron, The Blue Angels, perform flight demonstrations in F/A-18 Super Hornets as part of the 2022 Kaneohe Bay Air Show, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Aug. 12, 2022. The air show provided an opportunity to demonstrate the capabilities of a Joint Force in the Indo-Pacific Region. The Kaneohe Bay Air Show, which contained aerial performances, static displays, demonstrations and vendors, was designed to celebrate MCBHs longstanding relationship with the local community. (U.S. Marine Corps photos by Lance Cpl. Terry Stennett III)

France. Seine et Marne. Melun. Air show 2021. Aerial acrobatics demonstration by the Patrouille de France.

The Royal Air Force Falcons Parachute Display Team in action

040516-N-9909C-001. Base: Andrews Air Force Base State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The Thunderbirds, the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, flying their F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft, perform precision aerial maneuvers during the 2022 Aerospace Valley Open House, Air Show and STEM Expo at Edwards Air Force Base, California on Oct. 14-16.

Four U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds practice aerial maneuvers for Skyfest 2022 at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington May 12, 2022. Skyfest is a way for Team Fairchild to thank the local community for all the support and partnerships that they have given.

A ground-to-air left rear view of two Mitsubishi-built F-4EJ Phantom II aircraft of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) in formation during joint US Air Force and JASDF Exercise COPE NORTH. Subject Operation/Series: COPE NORTH Base: Naval Air Facility, Misawa State: Aomori Country: Japan (JPN)

US Navy Blue Angels Lockheed F/A-18 Hornets six aircraft with smoke performing the downward bomb-burst during an air show demonstration flight during first show of the season at Naval Air Field El Centro CA

DF-ST-85-13466. Base: Raf Mildenhall State: Suffolk Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

040206-F-6911G-001. Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

March 31, 2007 - The US Navy flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, perform aerial demonstrations during the 2007 air show at MacDill Air Force Base, Tampa, Florida. The Blue Angels fly the F/A-18A Hornet, performing approximately 30 maneuvers lasting over an hour.

PACIFIC OCEAN (June 20, 2022) Two F/A-18E Super Hornets assigned to the Vigilantes” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 151 conduct a fly-by off the port side of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Gridley (DDG 101). Abraham Lincoln Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability through alliances and partnerships while serving as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

An US Navy (USN) F/A-18C Hornet aircraft from Fighter Attack Squadron Three Four (VFA-34) releases countermeasure flares during an air-power demonstration conducted over the Mediterranean Sea, for the Hungarian Minister of Defense, who is visiting aboard the USN NIMITZ CLASS: Aircraft Carrier USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73) (not shown). (Duplicate image, see also DNSD0313093 or search 001028N6967M501). Country: Unknown

040911-F-4350W-014. Base: Kovarska, Country: Czech Republic (CZE)

The U.S. Air Force Demonstration Squadron Thunderbirds” perform during The Great Texas Airshow Apr. 24, 2022, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. The Thunderbirds perform all around the world while displaying professionalism to recruit and inspire the next generation of service members.

A squadron of F-14A Tomcat aircraft takes part in a flyover celebrating the arrival of Carrier Air Wing 3 (CVW-3) and CVW-17. Both wings have returned to NAS Oceana after serving in the Persian Gulf area during Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Base: Naval Air Station, Oceana State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

VERO BEACH, Florida (April 28, 2022) Lt. Cmdr. Cary Rickoff, assigned to the Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, performs a minimum radius turn during the Vero Beach Air Show. The Blue Angels perform flight demonstrations at 32 locations across the country to showcase the pride and professionalism of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps to the American public.

The Blue Angels perform aerobatic maneuvers for a crowd of military and civilians during the Kaneohe Bay Air Show at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay on Marine Corps Base Hawaii.

JACKSONVILLE, FL. (Oct. 21, 2022)F/A-18 Super Hornets from the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, perform an aerial demonstration during the Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville Airshow. The show celebrated the Blue Angels heritage, which traces back to 1946 at the squadrons birthplace of NAS Jacksonville. The show also featured aerial performances by other military and civilian flight teams, live entertainment, and the opportunity to see military aircraft and vehicles and the U.S. Special Operations Command Parachute Team.

The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" perform their demonstration during the Shaw Air & Space Expo at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, April 2, 2022. Participation in air shows allow the 20FW to showcase their capabilities to the public, while simultaneously building community relations.

The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron Thunderbirds perform their demonstration at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, April 3, 2022. The thunderbirds have flown the F-16 platform since 1982.

The U.S. Air Force Demonstration Squadron Thunderbirds perform during The Great Texas Airshow Apr. 22, 2022, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. The Thunderbirds perform for people all around the world to display the pride, precision and professionalism the U.S. Air Force represents. Through air shows and flyovers, they aim to excite and inspire. In addition to showcasing the elite skills all pilots must possess, the Thunderbirds demonstrate the incredible capabilities of the Air Forces premier multi-role fighter jet, the F-16 Fighting Falcon.

DN-ST-89-06469. Base: Unknown

FARGO, N.D. (July 26, 2015) The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, diamond pilots perform the Double Farvel maneuver at the Fargo Air Show. The Blue Angels are scheduled to perform 68 demonstrations at 35 locations across the U.S. in 2015.

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" fly over the Daytona 500, Daytona, Florida, Feb. 18, 2024. The Thunderbirds kicked off the Daytona 500 for the 14th consecutive year, showcasing the pride, precision, and professionalism of American Airmen to thousands of spectators. Air Force

120103-N-ZI635-298 PACIFIC OCEAN (Jan. 3, 2012) F/A-18 Hornets enter the pattern to land on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 are underway on a western Pacific deployment.

The Royal Air Force Falcons Parachute Display Team in action

061026-N-1550W-006. Base: Ns Jacksonville State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, perform during the 2022 Thunder Over Dover Airshow, May 22, 2022, at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware. This was the first time the Blue Angels performed at Dover AFB since 1991.

An F-15 Fighter aircraft from the 18th Fighter Wing, Kadena Air Base, Japan, takes off over F-16 Fighter aircraft sitting on the flightline during competition William Tell '94. Subject Operation/Series: WILLIAM TELL '94 Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

SEA OF JAPAN (April 12, 2022) Aircraft from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 and Japan Air Self-Defense Force fly in formation over the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) during a U.S.-Japan bilateral exercise. During bilateral exercises between Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, the two navies strengthen all-domain awareness and maneuvers across a distributed maritime environment. Bilateral operations like this one, reassure our allies and partners of the U.S. commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

An air-to-air right side view of a KA-6D Intruder aircraft, top, refueling an EA-6B Prowler aircraft. Country: Indian Ocean (IOC)

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Team Thunderbirds conduct a Mega Delta with the Blue Angels over Navy Air Facility El Centro, February 26, 2024. The Mega Delta is a rare opportunity to see both the Thunderbirds and Blue Angels fly their Delta maneuvers together. Air Force

Fighter planes demonstrating at airshow, Lahaina, Maui County, Hawaii, USA

The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, perform during the Joint Base Andrews 2022 Air & Space Expo at JBA, Md., Sept. 17, 2022. Airshows provide an opportunity for people to see U.S. military air capabilities in action and meet the service members who fly and maintain the equipment.

Blue Angels Soar in Precision: Pre-Season Formation Practice at Naval Air Field El Centro The elite US Navy Blue Angels hone precision in the California desert, practicing intricate formation flying at Naval Air Field El Centro for the upcoming air show season Copyright: xZoonar.com/WalterxGxArcexSrxGrindstonexMediaxGroup/WalterxArcexPhotographyx 21361740

CHESTERFIELD, Mo. (June 11, 2022) The U.S. Navy flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, perform at the Spirit of St. Louis Airshow, June 11, 2022. The Blue Angels appearance marks the St. Louis-made F/A-18 Super Hornet making its debut and return to the area.

The U.S. Navy Blue Angels perform aerial maneuvers during the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 23, 2022. The Blue Angels, formed in 1946, perform precision flight demonstrations in more than 70 shows at 34 locations throughout the United States each year. The theme for the 2022 MCAS Miramar Air Show, Marines Fight, Evolve and Win, reflects the Marine Corps ongoing modernization efforts to prepare for future conflicts.

An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 114th Fighter Wing, takes off during Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 2-22 at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., April 5, 2022. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1), providing standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation training and readiness, and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics.

A KC-10A Extender aircraft from McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey, awaits the arrival of a formation of Blue Angels F/A-18 Hornet aircraft. The Blue Angels, the Navy's premier demonstration team, performed for 325,000 people at the Lakehurst Naval Air Engineering Station, New Jersey, Airshow on June 2-3, 2001. The McGuire AFB KC-10A refueled the Blue Angels as they returned to their home base at Pensacola, Florida. Country: United States Of America (USA)

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds, perform for the Airshow London Skydrive in London, Ontario, September, 9, 2022. This was the Thunderbirds second performance in Canada for the 2022 season.

B-52H Stratofortress aircrafts take off from Minot Air Force, North Dakota, Aug. 17, 2022. The temporary deployment of strategic bombers demonstrates the flexibility, readiness and global deterrence and enhances skills and relationships necessary to confront any global challenges.

Fighter planes demonstrating at airshow, Lahaina, Maui County, Hawaii, USA

The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" pilots perform during Montana's Military Open House "Flight over the Falls" at Montana Air National Guard Base, Great Falls, Montana, July 24, 2022. The Thunderbirds are the U.S. Air Force's premier air demonstration squadron.

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron Thunderbirds perform during the Arctic Thunder Open House at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 31, 2022. The Thunderbirds have the honor of representing nearly 700,000 active duty, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, and civilian Airmen across America and deployed around the world.

040514-N-0295M-049. Base: Andrews Air Force Base State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Members of the U.S. Army Parachute Team make a four man formation in free fall for a demonstration jump at the Pacific Airshow in Huntington Beach, California on 30 September, 2022. The U.S. Army Parachute Team is performing at the Pacific Airshow 30 September through 2 October.

France, Etretat, Airshow of Alpha Jet aircrafts of Patrouille de France(French Acrobatic Patrol)

230113-N-DM308-0506 EL CENTRO, Calif. (Jan. 13, 2023) The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, diamond pilots, fly over Naval Air Facility (NAF) El Centro during a training flight. The Blue Angels are currently conducting winter training at NAF El Centro, California, in preparation for the upcoming 2023 air show season.

France, Etretat, Airshow of Alpha Jet aircrafts of Patrouille de France(French Acrobatic Patrol)

The U.S. Army Parachute Team, nicknamed the Golden Knights, and U.S. Navy Parachute Team, nicknamed the Leap Frogs, conduct an aerial demonstration at the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, California, Sept. 24, 2022. The theme for the 2022 MCAS Miramar Air Show, Marines Fight, Evolve and Win, reflects the Marine Corps ongoing modernization efforts to prepare for future conflicts.

The U.S. Army Parachute Team, nicknamed the Golden Knights, and U.S. Navy Parachute Team, nicknamed the Leap Frogs, conduct an aerial demonstration at the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, California, Sept. 24, 2022. The theme for the 2022 MCAS Miramar Air Show, Marines Fight, Evolve and Win, reflects the Marine Corps ongoing modernization efforts to prepare for future conflicts.

F/A-18C Hornet jet fighter of the Swiss Air Force releasing flare countermeasures, Axalp, Switzerland.

Various aircraft take part in a flyover during the National Victory Celebration which is being held in honor of the Allied forces' liberation of Kuwait during Operation Desert Storm. The planes include, from left: A-7E Corsair II aircraft flying with F/A-18 Hornet aircraft; F-14A Tomcat and A-6E Intruder aircraft at center and A-7E Corsair II flying with an S-3A Viking aircraft at right. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Base: Washington State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The U.S. Air Force Demonstration Squadron Thunderbirds perform a practice run Apr. 21, 2022, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. The Thunderbirds perform for people all around the world to display the pride, precision and professionalism the U.S. Air Force represents. Through air shows and flyovers, they aim to excite and inspire. In addition to showcasing the elite skills all pilots must possess, the Thunderbirds demonstrate the incredible capabilities of the Air Forces premier multi-role fighter jet, the F-16 Fighting Falcon.

A C-130 Hercules aircraft equipped with a U.S.D.A. Forest Service Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System drops water over the Tahoe National Forest, California, April 26, 2018. The four military airlift wings tasked with supporting the Department of Defense MAFFS mission took part in annual recertification training sponsored by the Forest Service April 22 through 27. This years training wrapped up at McClellan Reload Base in Sacramento with all four wings successfully recertified and prepared for the upcoming fire season. The four airlift wings, three Air National Guard and one Air Force Reserve, making up the MAFFS Air Expeditionary Group are the 146th AW California ANG, 152nd AW Nevada ANG, 153rd AW Wyoming ANG and 302nd AW, Air Force Reserve, Peterson AFB, Colorado.

Two U.S. Navy Blue Angels fly alongside a KC-46A Pegasus assigned to the 916th Air Refueling Wing during an in-air refueling operation over Arkansas, May 11, 2022. The Blue Angels originally flew the F6F Hellcat, but throughout the decades they have flown several different aircraft as aviation technology has improved.

10/11/2002. 12-10-02-Madrid. Colon Square. National holiday festival.-Military parade.- Photo. Chema Barroso-Jaime García.

The U.S. Naval Flight Demonstration Squadron, The Blue Angels, perform flight demonstrations in F/A-18 Super Hornets as part of the 2022 Kaneohe Bay Air Show, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Aug. 14, 2022. The air show provided an opportunity for MCBH to foster positive relationships with the local community, while providing a unique experience to the public. The Kaneohe Bay Air Show, which contained aerial performances, static displays, demonstrations and vendors, was designed to express MCBHs appreciation to the residents of Hawaii and their continued support of the installation.

Rockets fired by a U.S. Marine Corps M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System assigned to Kilo Battery, 2nd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, Marine Forces Reserve, fly through the sky after executing a HIMARS rapid insertion training event during Weapons and Tactics Instructor course 2-22, Dugway Proving Ground, Utah, April 6, 2022. HIMARS Marines and Marine aircrew routinely train to conduct HIMARS rapid insertion missions, facilitating the expedient and efficient execution of the mission.

The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, The Red Arrows, UK

MOSCOW, RUSSIA - MAY 7, 2021: Avia parade in Moscow. Group of Russian fighters Sukhoi Su-25 with painted russian flag in the sky on parade of Victory in World War II in Moscow, Russia MOSCOW, RUSSIA - MAY 7, 2021: Avia parade in Moscow. Group of Russian fighters Sukhoi Su-25 with painted russian flag in the sky on parade of Victory in World War II in Moscow, Russia Copyright: xZoonar.com/AlexanderxStrelax 20825788

The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" taxis on the flightline Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, March 31, 2022. The Thunderbirds landed at the 20th Fighter Wing in preparation for the Shaw Air & Space Expo April 2-3.

F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft of the Air Force Flight Demonstration Team fly in a delta formation during an open house air show. Base: Hickam Air Force Base State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

F-14A Tomcat aircraft take part in a flyover upon the arrival of planes from Carrier Air Wing 3 (CVW-3) and CVW-17. Squadrons from both wings are returning to Oceana following deployment in the Persian Gulf area during Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Base: Naval Air Station, Oceana State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

120802-N-DI587-812SEATTLE (Aug. 2, 2012) The U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, fly over Lake Washington near Seattle, Wash., during a practice flight demonstration for the Seafair Fleet Week-Boeing Maritime Celebration.

U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Julius Bratton, a Blue Angels pilot, climbs into the cockpit of a F/A-18 Super Hornet at the 2022 Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana Airshow on base in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Sept. 16, 2022. The NAS Oceana Airshow is an open house event featuring civilian and military aerial performances by groups such as the Blue Angels, Leap Frogs, the U.S. Air Force F-16 Viper Demonstration Team and other high-performance aircrafts.

U.S. Navy Ensign Zachariah Ebner watches the Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, perform a Delta Formation at the Titans of Flight Air Expo, Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, April 8, 2022. The airshow showcases more than 50 aerial demonstration performances and static aircraft displays.

A French air-demonstration team performs a maneuver during Independence Day ceremonies. State: New York (NY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

070224-M-1726S-081. Base: Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: MCAS YUMA

The Air Force is Demonstration Squadron Thunderbirds fly their F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft in a six-ship delta formation. State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Frank Zastoupil, pilot, U.S. Naval Flight Demonstration Squadron, prepares to fly the F/A-18 Super Hornet as part of the 2022 Kaneohe Bay Air Show, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Aug. 12, 2022. As the U.S. Navys Flight Demonstration Squadron, The Blue Angels is comprised of six F/A-18 Super Hornets and one C-130J Hercules who perform aerobatics around the United States. The Kaneohe Bay Air Show, which contained aerial performances, static displays, demonstrations and vendors, was designed to express MCBHs appreciation to the residents of Hawaii and their continued support of the installation.

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron Thunderbirds perform during the Arctic Thunder Open House at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 31, 2022. The Thunderbirds have the honor of representing nearly 700,000 active duty, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, and civilian Airmen across America and deployed around the world.

220701-N-VI040-1035 NAVAL AIR FACILITY ATSUGI, Japan (July 1, 2022) Fireworks explode behind an F-14D Tomcat model on permanent display onboard Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi during the installation's Independence Day celebration. NAF Atsugi supports the combat readiness of Commander, Carrier Air Wing FIVE (CVW 5), Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 51 and 30 other tenant commands, and provides logistic support, coordination, and services to units assigned to the Western Pacific.

An A-20 Havoc sit on the tarmac during The Great Texas Airshow Apr. 23, 2022, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph. The U.S. Air Force is celebrating its 75th anniversary with a The Great Texas Airshow as a key event. The airshow features the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron Thunderbirds performing for people to display the pride, precision and professionalism the U.S. Air Force represents. Through air shows and flyovers, they aim to excite and inspire. In addition to showcasing the elite skills all pilots must possess, the Thunderbirds demonstrate the incredible capabilities of the Air Forces premier multi-role fighter jet, the F-16 Fighting Falcon.

Whitney Aragaki, 2022 Hawaii State Teacher of the Year, waves after her flight as part of the Blue Angels Key Influencer Program, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Aug. 10, 2022. The Key Influencer program is provided through The Blue Angels with the ultimate goal to promote a culture of excellence within the community and inspire youth to work hard towards achieving their goals. Marine Corps Base Hawaii hosted the 2022 Kaneohe Bay Air Show, Blues on the Bay, on Aug. 13-14.

PENSACOLA, Fla. (Aug. 17, 2020) The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, C-130 pilots and crew arrive at Naval Air Station Pensacola with the teams new C-130J Super Hercules, alongside the Blue Angel delta formation. 2020 marks the teams 50th year utilizing the C-130 as its lead logistics aircraft. The Blue Angels previous C-130 “T” model served the team for 17 years and was retired in May 2019.

The Royal Air Force Red Arrows display team in action over Doha, Qatar, November 18, 2007.

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