USAF Thunderbirds

From their fabled past to their storied present, the United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron is the premier demonstration squadron of the most elite air and space force the world has even known. They are the best of the best:U.S. Air Force professionals teamed together to present precision aerial maneuvers that exhibit the capabilities of modern, high performance aircraft and the high degree of professional skill required to operate those aircraft.

The demonstrations themselves are unimaginable before you see them and unforgettable afterwards, but that is only a small fraction of what this team represents. The Air Force is engaged in global operations every day, fighting the Global War on Terror, defending their homeland, providing strategic deterrence and giving their nation unparalleled global vigilance, reach and power.

This year, the Thunderbirds celebrate 56 years of representing the more than 500,000 Airmen, National Guardsmen and Reservists worldwide. Whether at home in Las Vegas or at an air show on the other side of the world, the team embodies the same pride, precision and professionalism required to achieve uncontested air dominance anywhere, anytime.

I was there to watch this team at Kansas City Air Show 2004.