The Thunderbirds, officially known as the U.S. Air

The Thunderbirds, officially known as the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, perform precision aerial maneuvers to demonstrate the capabilities the F-16 Fighter Falcon, the Air Force’s premier multi-role fighter jet, during a performance at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., June 9, 2017. To prepare for its demonstration role, the only modifications needed are installing a smoke-generating system in the space normally reserved for the 20mm cannon and the painting of the aircraft in Thunderbird colors. Since the team’s inception, 325 officers have worn the distinguished emblem of “America’s Ambassadors in Blue” and over 300 million people have witnessed their show. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Clayton Lenhardt)