Thunderbirds Perform During Aviation Nation on Nellis Air Force Base

Department of Defense Photo Essay

  • The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, nicknamed the Thunderbirds, take to the skies in a diamond formation during a practice show on Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Nov. 9, 2012. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Larry E. Reid Jr.
  • Air Force Maj. Blaine Jones, pilot of Thunderbird 6, performs the Max Turn during a practice show on Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Nov. 9, 2012. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Larry E. Reid Jr.
  • Air Force Tech. Sgt. Brian Shumaker awaits the start of the ground show during Aviation Nation on Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Nov. 10, 2012. Shumaker, a line chief, is assigned to the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds. Aviation Nation celebrates 71 years of air power in Las Vegas and the Air Force's accomplishments in air, space and cyberspace. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Larry E. Reid Jr.
  • Three-year-old Mason Bain waves his U.S. flag as the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds, fly over with the Diamond Opener during Aviation Nation on Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Nov. 10, 2012. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Larry E. Reid Jr.
  • Spectators observe the performance of the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds, during Aviation Nation on Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Nov. 10, 2012. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Larry E. Reid Jr.
  • The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds, perform a calypso pass during the annual Aviation Nation open house on Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Nov. 10, 2012. U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Christopher Tam
  • The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds, move from trail position into diamond formation during Aviation Nation 2012 over Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Nov. 11, 2012. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Daniel Hughes
  • An F-15E Strike Eagle deploys flares during Aviation Nation on Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Nov. 11, 2012.. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. William P. Coleman
  • An Air Force Academy cadet displays the U.S. flag during the Aviation Nation opening ceremony on Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Nov. 11, 2012. The cadet is assigned to the Wings of Blue demonstration team. Members of the Wings of Blue team serve primarily as instructors and jump masters for the Air Force basic free-fall course AM490. U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jason Couillard