U.S Air Force Thunderbirds Wow Duluth Air Expo

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds thrilled a large crowd while headlining the 2022 Duluth Air and Aviation Expo Airshow July 16-17.

The elite military performance group was scheduled to perform in 2020, an event that was canceled because of COVID-19.

This year's attendance was estimated at 50,000 by event organizers.

Last year, with the U.S Navy's Blue Angels headlining, the airshow drew about 75,000 attendees, said Ryan Kern, airshow president and founder.

The Thunderbirds fly the same planes used by the locally based Minnesota Air National Guard's 148th Fighter Wing. They perform for people all around the world. Through air shows and flyovers, they aim to excite and inspire.

In addition to showcasing elite skills all pilots must possess, the Thunderbirds demonstrate the capabilities of the Air Force's premier multi-role fighter jet, the F-16 Fighting Falcon.