U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds Thrill In Final Performances

By  //  March 25, 2013

Crowds Pack Tico Warbirds Air Show

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BREVARD COUNTY • TITUSVILLE, FLORIDA –The U.S. Force Thunderbirds made their final performance ever at the 36th Tico Warbird show last weekend at the Space Coast Regional Airport in Titusville and went out with a bang.

Grounded by military budget cuts as a result of the sequestration, the precision flying Thunderbirds performed on Friday, Saturday and Sunday to the roar and delight of large crowds who attended the three-day event.

The Thunderbirds have served as the air demonstration squadron of the U.S Air Force since 1953 and perform aerobatic formation and solo flying in specially marked F-16 aircraft.

Besides the visit from the Thunderbirds, the air show included displays of 80 vintage aircraft such as the P-40 Warhawk, P-47 Thunderbolt, P-51 Mustang, F-8 Crusader, Grumman Wildcat, Avenger, F-4U Corsair, B-17, B-25s and many more.

In addition, there were mock re-enactments of World War II battles and plenty of vendors, exhibits and other military related displays.

There were opportunities for the public to ride in a vintage C-47 aircraft that actually flew during the Normandy invasion during World War II.

Participants also could take a helicopter and bi-plane ride, visit an antique automobile show, and meet pilots and military veterans who discussed missions of yore and vintage aircraft.