Celebrating the US 250 with some hometown thunder!

As we look toward the nation’s historic 250th anniversary, there is a very special kind of rumble in the desert sky that always reminds me of exactly where we are.

I wanted to share this video of the amazing U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. For those who visit Las Vegas for the bright lights of the Strip, it’s easy to forget that we are also home to some of the absolute finest aviation heroes on the planet. We are incredibly lucky to have these premier pilots, maintenance crews, and support teams based right here in our backyard at Nellis Air Force Base.

A Las Vegas Legacy Since 1956

While the squadron originally activated in 1953, they officially packed up and made Nellis AFB their permanent home in 1956. For 70 years, Las Vegas locals have had the ultimate privilege of looking up and catching a glimpse of that iconic red, white, and blue diamond formation practicing over the valley.

Seeing them fly isn't just a world-class spectacle—it's a demonstration of ultimate precision. Here are a few jaw-dropping facts about our hometown heroes:

• A Matter of Inches: During their tightest diamond maneuvers, the wings of these F-16 Fighting Falcons can fly as close as 1.5 feet apart.

• Ready for Anything: While they are the world's premier air demonstration team, these are active-duty combat pilots. If called upon, their jets can be made completely combat-ready in 72 hours or less.

• A Massive Team Effort: While you see six jets in the sky during a show, it takes a dedicated village of more than 130 enlisted personnel representing 25 different Air Force career fields back at Nellis to keep them soaring.

Watching their mind-boggling precision and skill over the desert always puts a little extra pride in my step. Let’s celebrate 250 years of American history, service, and excellence!

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY! Let’s celebrate our hard-earned freedom and honor the incredible men and women who protect it every single day. Wishing you all a safe, happy, and thunderous Independence Day from Las Vegas! 

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