Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Thunderbirds’ in F-100’s:

World’s First Supersonic Aerobatic Team At Nellis

Nellis authorities yesterday confirmed a report that the famed Thunderbird flying team is on its way to the nearby base to form the world's first supersonic aerobatic squad.

Maj. Curvin Miller Jr., information services officer for the 3595th Combat Crew Training Wing, said the renowned team will take up immediate training with North American F10 Super Sabre jets.

Since their activation in June 1953, the Thunderbirds have flown 223 demonstrations of precision flying before more than 10 million persons. Hitherto, the team has been using eRpublic F84s.

The Air Force announced the change of assignment and station yesterday. Previously the Thunderbirds had been stationed at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz.

Their first supersonic show will be at Homestead Air Force Base, Fla., June 23.

Maj. Jacksel Broughton, Rochestor, N.Y., leader and commanding officer of the Thunderbirds, said the team will demonstrate the same precision techniques in the new faster-than-sound fighters that were shown in the slower craft to spectators throughout the United States and in 12 Latin American counties.

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