Native Americans once looked to the skies in hopes that the Thunderbird would grant them victory in battle. Today, that legend lives as the United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron continues to showcase the capabilities of American airpower, and the pride and professionalism of 400,000 men and women who are charged with its responsibility.
For 41 years, the Thunderbirds have been showing America its AirForce, displaying their talent in every state in the union and 56 countries around the world. More than 275 million people have witnessed their breath-taking ability in more than 3,300 air demonstrations.
As in the past, the most visible part of the package is the aircraft-the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Even today, the Thunderbirds are living up to their doctrine of showing America one of its front-line fighters, and the F-16 is a perfect example as it was the most heavily tasked of all allied fighters during Operation Desert Storm.
A Thunderbird performance is a fine-tuned demonstration of AirForce fighter pilot training, and represents the quality, dedication, attention-to-detail and skill of more than 130 enlisted blue-suiters serving in more than 20 career fields. Their pride is evident in the fact that in more than 40 years, the team has never canceled a performance due to maintenance difficulties.
Selection to the Thunderbirds is an honor that involves intense competition. When a position opens, the team thoroughly screens each applicant with a particular emphasis on the person's job performance record, communication skills, appearance, and written recommendations. Pilot selection applicants must have at least 1,000 flying hours in high-performance aircraft before applying. Background and experience are closely examined by current team members.
Officer semi-finalists normally accompany the team on an actual deployment during the selection process. This travel allows potential Thunderbird officers to experience travel conditions and rigorous demands which accompany the duty. It also allows current team members to personally observe each candidate's skills and attitude. As the field narrows, applicants travel to Nellis Air Force Base for extensive personal interviews and thorough medical examinations. Demonstration pilot applicants are further tested during actual formation flying.
Competition for enlisted positions is equally intense. Each member is initially selected on the basis of performance and personnel records, as well as recommendations by their supervisors and commanders. Enlisted members begin their tour of duty with a 21-day orientation and training period. During this demanding time, they learn the squadron's operations, history, and details of the aircraft.
As long as Americans keep looking to the skies, the Thunderbirds will be there, representing the professionalism and quality of the United States Air Force.