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USAF Thunderbirds make roaring return to CFD

By Airman 1st Class Braydon Williams, 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs / Published July 25, 2018

U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds fly in a Delta formation during the Cheyenne Frontier Days air show in Cheyenne, Wyo., July 25, 2018. The Thunderbirds fly in formation and perform aerial maneuvers to showcase their skills and precision. The Thunderbirds made their CFD flying debut in 1953 and this air show has been a staple of the annual CFD events. The airshow provides a chance for the local community and worldwide visitors of CFD to see the U.S. Air Force in action over the skies of Cheyenne. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Abbigayle Wagner)
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U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds fly in a Delta formation during the Cheyenne Frontier Days air show in Cheyenne, Wyo., July 25, 2018. The Thunderbirds fly in formation and perform aerial maneuvers to showcase their skills and precision. The Thunderbirds made their CFD flying debut in 1953 and this air show has been a staple of the annual CFD events. The airshow provides a chance for the local community and worldwide visitors of CFD to see the U.S. Air Force in action over the skies of Cheyenne. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Abbigayle Wagner)

Two U.S Air Force Thunderbirds roar by during Cheyenne Frontier Days in Cheyenne, Wyo., July 25, 2018. Thunderbirds air shows are the culmination of hundreds of hours of training, maintenance, preparation and practice. The airshow provides a chance for the local community and worldwide visitors of CFD to see the U.S. Air Force in action over the skies of Cheyenne. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Abbigayle Wagner)
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Two U.S Air Force Thunderbirds roar by during Cheyenne Frontier Days in Cheyenne, Wyo., July 25, 2018. Thunderbirds air shows are the culmination of hundreds of hours of training, maintenance, preparation and practice. The airshow provides a chance for the local community and worldwide visitors of CFD to see the U.S. Air Force in action over the skies of Cheyenne.(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Abbigayle Wagner)

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds perform aerial acrobatics during Cheyenne Frontier Days in Cheyenne Wyo., July 25, 2018. The 3600th Air Demonstration unit, the official Air Force Air Demonstration team, was activated May 25, 1953. The unit adopted the name “Thunderbirds,” influenced in part by the strong Native American culture and folklore from the southwestern United States where Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, is located. The airshow provides a chance for the local community and worldwide visitors of CFD to see the U.S. Air Force in action over the skies of Cheyenne. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Braydon Williams)
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The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds perform aerial acrobatics during Cheyenne Frontier Days in Cheyenne Wyo., July 25, 2018. The 3600th Air Demonstration unit, the official Air Force Air Demonstration team, was activated May 25, 1953. The unit adopted the name “Thunderbirds,” influenced in part by the strong Native American culture and folklore from the southwestern United States where Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, is located. The airshow provides a chance for the local community and worldwide visitors of CFD to see the U.S. Air Force in action over the skies of Cheyenne. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Braydon Williams)

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds perform aerial acrobatics during Cheyenne Frontier Days in Cheyenne Wyo., July 25, 2018. The 3600th Air Demonstration unit, the official Air Force Air Demonstration team, was activated May 25, 1953. The unit adopted the name “Thunderbirds,” influenced in part by the strong Native American culture and folklore from the southwestern United States where Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, is located. The airshow provides a chance for the local community and worldwide visitors of CFD to see the U.S. Air Force in action over the skies of Cheyenne. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Braydon Williams)
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The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds perform aerial acrobatics during Cheyenne Frontier Days in Cheyenne Wyo., July 25, 2018. The 3600th Air Demonstration unit, the official Air Force Air Demonstration team, was activated May 25, 1953. The unit adopted the name “Thunderbirds,” influenced in part by the strong Native American culture and folklore from the southwestern United States where Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, is located. The airshow provides a chance for the local community and worldwide visitors of CFD to see the U.S. Air Force in action over the skies of Cheyenne. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Braydon Williams)

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds perform aerial acrobatics during Cheyenne Frontier Days in Cheyenne Wyo., July 25, 2018. The 3600th Air Demonstration unit, the official Air Force Air Demonstration team, was activated May 25, 1953. The unit adopted the name “Thunderbirds,” influenced in part by the strong Native American culture and folklore from the southwestern United States where Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, is located. The airshow provides a chance for the local community and worldwide visitors of CFD to see the U.S. Air Force in action over the skies of Cheyenne. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Abbigayle Wagner)
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The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds perform aerial acrobatics during Cheyenne Frontier Days in Cheyenne Wyo., July 25, 2018. The 3600th Air Demonstration unit, the official Air Force Air Demonstration team, was activated May 25, 1953. The unit adopted the name “Thunderbirds,” influenced in part by the strong Native American culture and folklore from the southwestern United States where Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, is located. The airshow provides a chance for the local community and worldwide visitors of CFD to see the U.S. Air Force in action over the skies of Cheyenne. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Abbigayle Wagner)

U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds perform a reflection pass stunt during Cheyenne Frontier Days, July 25, 2018, in Cheyenne, Wyo. The Thunderbirds fly closely in formation and make close passes at intense speeds during their shows showcasing their skills as an aerial acrobatics team. The airshow provides a chance for the local community and worldwide visitors of CFD to see the U.S. Air Force in action over the skies of Cheyenne. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Braydon Williams)
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U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds perform a reflection pass stunt during Cheyenne Frontier Days, July 25, 2018, in Cheyenne, Wyo. The Thunderbirds fly closely in formation and make close passes at intense speeds during their shows showcasing their skills as an aerial acrobatics team. The airshow provides a chance for the local community and worldwide visitors of CFD to see the U.S. Air Force in action over the skies of Cheyenne. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Braydon Williams)

Colonel Stacy Jo Huser, 90th Missile Wing Commander, and spouse Tim O'Hara, watch the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds perform a Delta formation during the Cheyenne Frontier Days Air Show in Cheyenne, Wyo., July 25, 2018. The Thunderbirds performed stunts such as the calypso pass and a maneuver in tribute to America's veterans and fallen heroes. The airshow provides a chance for the local community and worldwide visitors of CFD to see the U.S. Air Force in action over the skies of Cheyenne. (U.S. Air Force photo by Glenn S. Robertson)
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Colonel Stacy Jo Huser, 90th Missile Wing Commander, and spouse Tim O'Hara, watch the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds perform a Delta formation during the Cheyenne Frontier Days Air Show in Cheyenne, Wyo., July 25, 2018. The Thunderbirds performed stunts such as the calypso pass and a maneuver in tribute to America's veterans and fallen heroes. The airshow provides a chance for the local community and worldwide visitors of CFD to see the U.S. Air Force in action over the skies of Cheyenne. (U.S. Air Force photo by Glenn S. Robertson)

Cheyenne residents and visitors watch the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds roar through the air during Cheyenne Frontier Days, July 25, 2018, in Cheyenne, Wyo. The Thunderbirds made their civilian air show debut at CFD in 1953. The airshow provides a chance for the local community and worldwide visitors of CFD to see the U.S. Air Force in action over the skies of Cheyenne. (U.S. Air Force photo by Glenn S. Robertson)
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Cheyenne residents and visitors watch the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds roar through the air during Cheyenne Frontier Days, July 25, 2018, in Cheyenne, Wyo. The Thunderbirds made their civilian air show debut at CFD in 1953. The airshow provides a chance for the local community and worldwide visitors of CFD to see the U.S. Air Force in action over the skies of Cheyenne. (U.S. Air Force photo by Glenn S. Robertson)

Spectators look up as the Thunderbirds roar through the sky during the Cheyenne Frontier Days air show in Cheyenne, Wyo., July 25, 2018. The Thunderbirds made their CFD flying debut in 1953 and this air show has been a staple of the annual CFD events. The airshow provides a chance for the local community and worldwide visitors of CFD to see the U.S. Air Force in action over the skies of Cheyenne. (U.S. Air Force photo by Glenn S. Robertson)
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Spectators look up as the Thunderbirds roar through the sky during the Cheyenne Frontier Days air show in Cheyenne, Wyo., July 25, 2018. The Thunderbirds made their CFD flying debut in 1953 and this air show has been a staple of the annual CFD events. The airshow provides a chance for the local community and worldwide visitors of CFD to see the U.S. Air Force in action over the skies of Cheyenne. (U.S. Air Force photo by Glenn S. Robertson)

U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds perform a delta burst maneuver during Cheyenne Frontier Days, July 25, 2018, in Cheyenne, Wyo. The Thunderbirds are an Air Combat Command unit composed of eight pilots, including six demonstration pilots, four support officers, three civilians and more than 130 enlisted personnel performing in 25 career fields. The airshow provides a chance for the local community and worldwide visitors of CFD to see the U.S. Air Force in action over the skies of Cheyenne. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Breanna Carter)
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U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds perform a delta burst maneuver during Cheyenne Frontier Days, July 25, 2018, in Cheyenne, Wyo. The Thunderbirds are an Air Combat Command unit composed of eight pilots, including six demonstration pilots, four support officers, three civilians and more than 130 enlisted personnel performing in 25 career fields. The airshow provides a chance for the local community and worldwide visitors of CFD to see the U.S. Air Force in action over the skies of Cheyenne. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Breanna Carter)

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds perform aerial acrobatics during Cheyenne Frontier Days in Cheyenne Wyo., July 25, 2018. The 3600th Air Demonstration unit, the official Air Force Air Demonstration team, was activated May 25, 1953. The unit adopted the name “Thunderbirds,” influenced in part by the strong Native American culture and folklore from the southwestern United States where Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, is located. The airshow provides a chance for the local community and worldwide visitors of CFD to see the U.S. Air Force in action over the skies of Cheyenne. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Breanna Carter)
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The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds perform aerial acrobatics during Cheyenne Frontier Days in Cheyenne Wyo., July 25, 2018. The 3600th Air Demonstration unit, the official Air Force Air Demonstration team, was activated May 25, 1953. The unit adopted the name “Thunderbirds,” influenced in part by the strong Native American culture and folklore from the southwestern United States where Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, is located. The airshow provides a chance for the local community and worldwide visitors of CFD to see the U.S. Air Force in action over the skies of Cheyenne. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Breanna Carter)

Two U.S Air Force Thunderbirds roar by during Cheyenne Frontier Days in Cheyenne, Wyo., July 25, 2018. Thunderbirds air shows are the culmination of hundreds of hours of training, maintenance, preparation and practice. The airshow provides a chance for the local community and worldwide visitors of CFD to see the U.S. Air Force in action over the skies of Cheyenne. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Breanna Carter)
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Two U.S Air Force Thunderbirds roar by during Cheyenne Frontier Days in Cheyenne, Wyo., July 25, 2018. Thunderbirds air shows are the culmination of hundreds of hours of training, maintenance, preparation and practice. The airshow provides a chance for the local community and worldwide visitors of CFD to see the U.S. Air Force in action over the skies of Cheyenne. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Breanna Carter)

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F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds returned to Cheyenne skies, the location of the of their debut performance in 1953, July 25, 2018, for Cheyenne Frontier Days.

The Thunderbirds are an aerial demonstration squadron that performs precision aerial maneuvers while demonstrating the capabilities of the Air Force's high-performance aircraft to people throughout the world. The Thunderbirds are here to recruit new Airmen, provided a positive representation of the Air Force and increase retention of current Airmen.

In 1982 the Thunderbirds adopted the F-16 Fighting Falcon as their official aircraft. It is a front-line fighting aircraft used by the United States Air Force. Designed as an air superiority day fighter, it evolved into a successful all-weather multirole aircraft.

“It’s really special that in 65 years of Thunderbird history and all the changes the team has seen, from aircraft to personnel, that we can still maintain some of our oldest traditions.” Said Capt. Kassandra Mangosing Maintenance officer USAF Air Demonstration squadron. “Performing at the site of our first ever public demonstration every single year is one of the cornerstones of an amazing Thunderbirds season, so we are excited to keep that legacy alive.”

The Thunderbirds make an appearance at CFD every year as a part of their legacy. Cheyenne is the place the Thunderbirds made their very first public appearance.

“The thunderbirds are my absolute favorite part of CFD,” said James Lafferty, spectator, “I remember the first time I saw the Thunderbirds perform back it 1970. I was about 15 years old and had never seen anything like it. It was the highlight of my life.”

Each year Laramie County Community College and F.E. Warren partner together to make this air show part of the CFD experience and an event people will remember for years to come.