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The Thunderbirds | Photos

After losing the 2013 flying season due to sequestration, the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron “Thunderbirds” have returned with a full 2014 flying schedule. Consisting of 38 shows, the 2014 flying schedule opened with a performance Feb. 23 as part of the Daytona 500, in Daytona, Fla. The Thunderbirds trace their linage to the activation of the 3600th Air Demonstration Unit at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., on May 25, 1953. During their history the Thunderbirds have flown the F-84G Thunderjet, F-84F Thunderstreak, F-100 Super Sabre, F-105 Thunderchief, F-4 Phantom II, T-38 Talon, and their current aircraft, the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Based at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., the Thunderbirds continue to serve as a recruiting tool for the U.S. Air Force. A mission they will resume in 2014.

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Steven Hoarn is the Editor/Photo Editor for Defense Media Network. He is a graduate of...