The UNITED STATES AIR FORCE THUNDERBIRDS will headline the Duluth Airshow, as they return to Minnesota for the first time since 2006. Tora Tora Tora will also be making their first ever visit to Minnesota as we honor all of America's vetrans and celebrate "Generations" of veterans who have served our great country. The Thunderbirds are the air demonstration squadron of the U.S. Air Force (USAF) that performs demonstration aerobatics at air shows and other events throughout the United States and around the world. The Thunderbirds are based at Nellis AFB in Las Vegas, Nevada, and use specially-marked USAF jet aircrafts to perform their demonstrations. The squadron is composed of six pilots, each of which flys with the team for two years. In addition, there are some 135 support personnel each serving three to four years. Replacements are trained for about half of the team year, providing a constant mix of experience. The Thunderbirds represent the ultimate in skill, precision and American air power in the jet age. Since their inaugural flight in 1953, the aircraft have evolved dramatically. The Thunderbirds' focus is on precise flying with an emphasis on excellence. From the first red, whiteand blue F-84G to the awesome power and unmatched performance of today's F-16C, the Thunderbirds continue to showcase America's frontline fighters and demonstrate the skill of every U.S. Air Force fighter pilot. The squadron practices and performs 50 weeks a year and performs a maximum of 88 air demonstrations each year and has never canceled a demonstration due to maintenance difficulty.  Read about other performers: · Tora Tora Tora · F-16 · Canadian Forces SkyHawks