Thunderbirds land at Joint Base Andrews ahead of Freedom 250 flyover
The Thunderbirds touched down at Joint Base Andrews in Prince George's County, setting up a July 4 flyover tied to America’s 250th anniversary.
The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds landed their red, white and blue F-16s at Joint Base Andrews in Prince George’s County on June 30, setting up a holiday week of high-profile flying tied to America 250 celebrations. The squadron is preparing for a Freedom 250 appearance over the Washington area at the center of the nation’s Fourth of July commemoration.
The flyover is tied to the 250th anniversary of American independence and democratic heritage. It will be the first time an Air Force demonstration squadron has performed over the monuments in Washington, with the crowd expected to watch from downtown Washington and the National Mall. Thunderbirds commander Lt. Col. Tyler Clark said the jets will handle the heat, even as spectators deal with high temperatures.
For Prince George’s County, the arrival turns Joint Base Andrews into the region’s staging ground for one of the week’s most visible military operations. The Thunderbirds fly six F-16s in their standard demonstration, built around a four-ship Diamond formation and two solo aircraft. The team has served as the Air Force’s official air demonstration squadron since May 25, 1953, and its shows depend on advance support from host bases and local airfields.
Joint Base Andrews says its air show is the premier air show in the Nation’s Capital, with military and civilian aerial demonstrations, static displays, a STEAM expo, and performances by the U.S. Air Force Band and U.S. Air Force Honor Guard. The base also posted photos of the aircraft arriving in preparation for the Freedom 250 celebration.
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