Nellis air show 2008

A crowd of spectators watch as the Thunderbirds soar above during the air show at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Nov. 8, 2008. The Nellis AFB air show showcased the 21st-century Air Force’s capabilities in air, space and cyberspace. The show, held Nov. 8-9. is the largest aviation event in Las Vegas and the largest free public event in Nevada.(U.S. Air Force Photo/Senior Airman Larry E. Reid Jr.)

Nellis air show 2008

F-15 Fighting Falcons assigned to the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, The Thunderbirds, fly in formation during the air show at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Nov. 8, 2008. The Nellis AFB air show showcased the 21st-century Air Force’s capabilities in air, space and cyberspace. The show, held Nov. 8-9. is the largest aviation event in Las Vegas and the largest free public event in Nevada.(U.S. Air Force Photo/Senior Airman Larry E. Reid Jr.)

Thunderbirds ready for 2008 season

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- The Commander of Air Combat Command, General John Corley, shakes hands with members of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds prior to the acceptance show at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., March 11. The acceptance show marks the beginning of the 2008 show season, which includes 37 showsites in the United States and Canada. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Justin D. Pyle)

JROTC gorup visits home of the Thunderbirds

Staff Sgt. Russ Martin, public affairs specialist with USAFADS, otherwise known as the Thunderbirds, explains the misison of the Thundrbirds to Junior Reserve officerTraining Corps. cadets from Mesa High School, located in Ariz. The JROTC group visited Nellis to learn more about the Air Force mission and to learn about the different missions that Nellis has.

Thunderbirds acceptance crowd

A crowd watches the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds perform their aerial acrobatics during the kick-off of their 2007 season March 16 during the acceptance show at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. (U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Kenny Kennemer)

Thunderbirds open the race

The United States Air Force Thunderbirds fly over the Las Vegas Motor Speedway for the start the UAW-Daimler Chrysler 400 Nextel Cup race March 13, 2006. The Thunderbirds are based at Nellis AFB, Nev., across the highway from the track. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Kevin J. Gruenwald)