Thunderbirds take to Oklahoma skies

The Thunderbird pilots maneuver F 16 fighter jets, and while they're renown for their graceful formations, the rigorous training the pilots endure polish the team's swoops and dives.

Friday, May 23rd 2008, 5:49 pm

By: News 9

By Melissa Maynarich, NEWS9

The Thunderbirds are an elite flying squadron of the United States Air Force. The pilots maneuver F 16 fighter jets, and while they're renown for their graceful formations, the rigorous training the pilots endure polish the team's swoops and dives.

"Six airplanes flying together, choreographed narration music...it's an action-packed, 30 to 40 minutes of just pure power, precision and teamwork," said Pilot Lt. Col. Rob Skelton.

The Thunderbirds will be featured in the 2008 Star Spangles Salute Air Show, which will be held at Tinker Air Force Base. The gates open at 9 a.m. on Saturday morning, and the Aerial demonstrations begin at 11:30 a.m. The show is open and free to the public.