Air Force Thunderbird jets planning Las Vegas flyover Saturday

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the precision flying team based at Nellis Air Force Base, plan a patriotic flyover of Las Vegas Saturday evening, culminating with a flight tribute over Hoover Dam.

The team of six red, white and blue F-16 “Fighting Falcons” fighter jets will fly a route that will include several landmarks and neighborhoods spanning the Las Vegas Valley, culminating with a flight over Hoover Dam, where a 45,000-square-foot American flag and nightly patriotic lighting display continue through July 4.

Details of the flight path and timing are expected to be released later this week.

The flyover, in a partnership with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, is expected to begin at 6:45 p.m.

The aerial tribute, commemorating Southern Nevada’s role in America’s story and celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary, will feature the Thunderbirds’ iconic six-aircraft delta formation, marking the first time since 2020 that the renowned formation has flown over Las Vegas. The delta consists of the six aircraft flying in close formation, showcasing the precision, discipline and professionalism that have made the Thunderbirds one of the nation’s most recognized aerial demonstration teams.

“Las Vegas is a city built on bringing people together for extraordinary experiences,” Steve Hill, president and CEO of the LVCVA, said in an emailed release. “The Thunderbirds are part of our community’s story, and their hometown flyover will create an unforgettable moment as we continue celebrating America’s 250th anniversary throughout Southern Nevada.”

The team, which consists of 135 members representing 31 different career fields, was activated on June 1, 1953, at Luke Air Force Base in suburban Phoenix and moved to its current Nellis headquarters on June 1, 1956, where it has represented Las Vegas and Southern Nevada on the national and international stage for seven decades.

Known as “America’s Team” and “America’s Ambassadors in Blue,” the Thunderbirds fly more than 30 demonstrations annually, showcasing the precision, professionalism and global readiness of the U.S. Air Force while inspiring future generations of aviators, engineers and service members.

“It’s an incredible honor for the Thunderbirds to fly over our hometown this weekend,” Lt. Col. Alexander Prevendar, Thunderbird 1 commander-leader, said in an emailed release. “As America marks 250 years, we’re proud to celebrate alongside our community and reflect on the freedom, service and unity that define who we are as a nation.”

The Thunderbirds’ Saturday flyover is one component of a broader summer-long program that includes patriotic activations, special events and one of the nation’s largest summer fireworks series, taking place every Saturday night through July 25.

Contact Richard N. Velotta at rvelotta@reviewjournal.com or 702-477-3893. Follow @RickVelotta on X.