Thunderbirds at Lakeland

 As the residents of Lakeland, Florida and area were no doubt made aware of in short order, the USAF Air Demonstration Squadron was in town for the annual Sun 'n Fun Aerospace Expo last week. Known far and wide simply as the Thunderbirds, the aerobatic team arrives in advance of their air show performances to prepare for the show including familiarization with the local geography and landmarks used for reference. The team's members have long engaged with the community wherever they fly and, in more recent times, the Thunderbirds provide an orientation flight for a locally selected individual as part of their Hometown Heroes program.

The photos appearing here were taken on Friday, 8 April 2022 at Lakeland Linder International Airport.

(above) The morning dawned clear, cool, and bright following some wild, stormy weather the previous day but this F-16C looks sharp while awaiting the day's flight activities.

(above) Thunderbirds aircraft are not given a permanent team number while assigned and are often shuffled in the formation and, consequently, in the lineup when on the ground. Although numbers 1, 2, and 3 displayed numbers in the circle of stars on the engine intakes, these three F-16Cs did not. They are, however, in the positions occupied by Thunderbirds 4, 5, and 6.

(above) As evidenced by significant heat waves behind it, one of the squadron's two-seat F-16D aircraft sits idling while final pre-flight checks are done by a member of the Thunderbirds maintenance team.

(above) In a rare scene, at least in this photographer's experience, Thunderbird 7 and 8 wheel out for a minimum interval takeoff. Aboard the two F-16Ds are hometown hero Sgt. Chad Mumbauer, Lakeland Police Department and a member of the local media.