U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds join Pacific Airshow lineup

The United States Air Force Thunderbirds have been added to the lineup for this weekend’s Pacific Airshow in Huntington Beach, event organizers announced Tuesday.

The Thunderbirds will join the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and the Canadian Forces Snowbirds at the Airshow, marking just the second time in history that the three North American jet teams will perform together at the same show.

Fans can expect to see a new maneuver, Rapid Recovery, along with other modified maneuvers showcasing the capabilities of the F-16 Fighting Falcon.

Pacific Airshow organizer Kevin Elliott said that it would be an understatement to say it was an honor for the Thunderbirds to rejoin the show, which runs Friday through Sunday.

“The lineup of the 2021 Pacific Airshow will become a thing of legend with kids growing up to say, ‘I remember when all three North American Jet Teams flew together in Huntington Beach,’” Elliott said in a news release. “If you know anything about airshows, or even if you don’t, you will not want to miss this spectacle.”

The Blue Angels will celebrate their 75th anniversary at the show and fly new F/A-18 Super Hornets, while the Snowbirds are celebrating their 50th anniversary.

According to airshow officials, the Blue Angels and the Thunderbirds are scheduled to arrive in Orange County on Wednesday between 1 and 3 p.m.

The city of Huntington Beach has already issued warning to its residents to expect loud jet noise through Sunday. Residents are asked to only dial 911 for life-threatening emergencies. For problems related to the airshow, they’re asked to call (714) 536-5985.

New to the airshow this year is the Afterburner Music Festival, a ticketed event that runs Friday and Saturday nights and features Sammy Hagar & the Circle, Sam Hunt and X Ambassadors, among other acts.

For more information on the airshow, visit pacificairshow.com or download the app.

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