The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron , the Blue Angels and the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron , the Thunderbirds , will conduct an information exchange onboard Naval Air Facility El Centro.

The two elite groups will get together February 25 - 29 , to share best practices and lessons learned prior to the both teams begin their 2020 show seasons. Each team is currently at the mid-point of their winter training cycles and may conduct training flights with similar profiles to their air show routines but no public performances are scheduled. 

Commander Brian Kesselring , the Blue Angels commanding officer and flight leader said , " I am incredibly  excited to share the world class training facilities here in El Centro with the U.S. Thunderbird. Our time in El Centro is crucial for transitioning in new pilots , training support and maintenance personnel , and preparing the aircraft for the high operating tempo of the air show season. This is a phenomenal opportunity to meet and integrate with our U.S. Air Force counterparts and share best practices."

Lt. Colonel John Caldwell , U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds commander and leader said , " Training with the Blue Angels , on the ground and in the air , is a very unique and valuable experience. Our squadrons have similar a mission set and share the same goal of providing an impeccable demonstration for our upcoming shows during the 2020 season. We deeply appreciate the expertise and operational knowledge the Blue Angels bring to our shared mission and look forward to enhancing our operations from this joint exchange."

2020 is the Thunderbirds 67th year representing the U.S. Air Force while the Blue Angels have represented the U.S. Navy since 1946. The last time the Blue Angels and Thunderbirds performed together was at the Joint Base Andrews Air and Space Expo in May of last year.