WASHINGTON (7News) — Behind every breathtaking aerial maneuver performed by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds is a team of 135 people working to ensure every flight is safe.
The Thunderbirds arrived Tuesday at Joint Base Andrews ahead of America 250 celebrations in Washington, D.C. The elite demonstration squadron will perform over the National Mall during the Independence Day festivities.
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7News spoke with Thunderbirds commander and leader Lt. Col. Alex Prevendar, who said the historic performance is unlike anything he’s experienced in nearly two decades of flying.
“This takes the cake on everything,” Prevendar said. “It doesn’t get better than July 4th… to be able to represent America.”
The United States Air Force Thunderbirds arrived at Joint Base Andrews on June 30, 2026, ahead of America 250 celebrations. (DJ McCathran/7News)
The demonstration will mark the first time an Air Force demonstration squadron has performed over the monuments in Washington, making the event even more meaningful for the team.
“It is an honor for us to be able to give back and to serve and to unite,” Prevendar said. “People are proud, people are ready. It’s going to be phenomenal just to be a part of America’s 250th birthday.”
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While six F-16 Fighting Falcons capture the public’s attention, Prevendar said those pilots represent only a small part of the operation.
“It takes every single person on the team,” he said. “We have over 30 different career fields… it takes everybody, a whole village, to make sure that you guys see the six aircraft and the six pilots performing.”
The squadron spends more than 260 days each year traveling the country representing the Air Force.
For Prevendar, leading the team carries special meaning every time he climbs into his aircraft.
“It’s an honor to be able to sit in a red, white and blue aircraft and represent America and everything that we stand for,” he said. “That really tugs at the heartstrings.”
For those watching Friday’s performance, Prevendar hopes the Thunderbirds leave more than just an impression in the sky.
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