The Imperial Valley sky will be filled with high, and low, flying aircraft.

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, will arrive at NAF El Centro Thursday, February 24, 2022 to begin joint training with the Blue Angels. The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, have called NAF El Centro their winter home for decades. They have invited the Thunderbirds to share airspace and techniques as both teams look to improve their performance. 

The Thunderbirds fly the F-16 Fighting Falcon. The Command Unit is composed of eight pilots ( including six demonstration pilots), four support officers, more than 130 enlisted professionals, and three civilians. As " America's Ambassadors in Blue " the Thunderbirds perform up to 88 air demonstrations a year. The Thunderbirds are scheduled to arrive at NAF El Centro, The Pearl of the Desert, at approximately 10:55 a.m.