Air Force
GalleryThunderbirds highlight air show at Joint Base Charleston
Stars and Stripes
April 21, 2024
Two United States Air Force Demonstration “Thunderbirds” F-16 Fighting Falcons perform an aerial demonstration during the Charleston Airshow at Joint Base Charleston, S.C., Saturday, April 20, 2024. (Christian Silvera/U.S. Air Force)
Thousands of spectators trained their eyes to the sky on Saturday for Day 1 of the Charleston Airshow at Joint Base Charleston, S.C.
The Thunderbirds, the Air Force demonstration squadron, were the highlight of the show, demonstrating not only the elite skills of the pilots, but also the capabilities of the F-16 Fighting Falcon.
Also providing aerial performances were the C-17 Globemaster III, the F-35B Lightning and historical aircraft such as the P-51 Mustang.
The show offered more than 50 demonstrations and displays. They included science, technology, engineering and mathematics exhibits and static display aircraft.
The show began Friday with a friends and family day exclusive to service members and their loved ones. The show continues Sunday.
Four United States Air Force Demonstration Thunderbirds” F-16 Fighting Falcons fly in formation during the Charleston Airshow at Joint Base Charleston, S.C., Saturday, April 20, 2024. (Christian Silvera/U.S. Air Force)
Three United States Air Force Demonstration “Thunderbirds” F-16 Fighting Falcons fly in formation during the Charleston Airshow at Joint Base Charleston, S.C., Saturday, April 20, 2024. (Christian Silvera/U.S. Air Force)
Three United States Air Force Demonstration “Thunderbirds” F-16 Fighting Falcons fly in formation during the Charleston Airshow at Joint Base Charleston, S.C., Saturday, April 20, 2024. (Christian Silvera/U.S. Air Force)
Teresa Chrapkiewicz, Thunderbirds’ Hometown Hero, left, gets fitted for her flight helmet with the help of Tech Sgt. Brandon Butler, during the Charleston Airshow at Joint Base Charleston, S.C., Friday, April 19, 2024. Chrapkiewicz is a teacher, published author, Air Force veteran, community volunteer and the first female Navajo pilot. The Hometown Hero program recognizes individuals who leave a profound and positive impact on their community, giving them an opportunity to ride in the back of an F-16 Fighting Falcon. (Christian Silvera/U.S. Air Force)
Teresa Chrapkiewicz, Thunderbirds’ Hometown Hero, poses for a photo while getting fitted for her flight suit during the Charleston Airshow at Joint Base Charleston, S.C., Friday, April 19, 2024. (Christian Silvera/U.S. Air Force)
Attendees at the Charleston Airshow watch three United States Air Force Demonstration “Thunderbirds” F-16 Fighting Falcons perform an aerial demonstration during the Charleston Airshow at Joint Base Charleston, S.C., Saturday, April 20, 2024. (Christian Silvera/U.S. Air Force)
The 628th Air Base Wing Honor Guard performs during the opening ceremonies of the Charleston Airshow at Joint Base Charleston, S.C., Saturday, April 20, 2024. (Ashley N. Mikaio/U.S. Air Force)
The U.S. Air Force Academy Band performs during the Charleston Airshow at Joint Base Charleston, S.C., Saturday, April 20, 2024. (Alex Fox Echols III/U.S. Air Force)
A C-17 Globemaster III assigned to the C-17 East Coast Demonstration team flies over Joint Base Charleston, S.C., Saturday, April 20, 2024, as part of the C-17 demonstration team act during the Charleston Airshow. (Christian Silvera/U.S. Air Force)
The United States Air Force Academy’s parachute team, Wings of Blue, along with Chief Master Sgt. Lucero Stockett, 437th Airlift Wing command chief, perform aerial displays during the Charleston Airshow at Joint Base Charleston, S.C., Saturday, April 20, 2024. The Wings of Blue parachute team kicked off the event hoisting service flags as they landed on the flight line. (Ashley N. Mikaio/U.S. Air Force)
The United States Air Force Academy’s parachute team, Wings of Blue, perform aerial displays during the Charleston Airshow at Joint Base Charleston, S.C., Saturday, April 20, 2024. (Ashley N. Mikaio/U.S. Air Force)
A C-17 Globemaster III cargo aircraft prepares to land at the Charleston Airshow at Joint Base Charleston, S.C., Saturday, April 20, 2024. (Travis Knauss/U.S. Air Force)
The crowd watches the Wings of Blue perform during the Charleston Airshow at Joint Base Charleston, S.C., Saturday, April 20, 2024. (Ashley N. Mikaio/U.S. Air Force)
The crowd watches the Wings of Blue perform during the Charleston Airshow at Joint Base Charleston, S.C., Saturday, April 20, 2024. (Ashley N. Mikaio/U.S. Air Force)
A P-51 Mustang aircraft performs an aerial maneuver during the Charleston Airshow at Joint Base Charleston, S.C., Saturday, April 20, 2024. (Travis Knauss/U.S. Air Force)
A P-51 Mustang aircraft performs an aerial maneuver during the Charleston Airshow at Joint Base Charleston, S.C., Saturday, April 20, 2024. (Travis Knauss/U.S. Air Force)
A P-51 Mustang performs an aerial demonstration during the Charleston Airshow at Joint Base Charleston, S.C., Saturday, April 20, 2024. The aircraft, nicknamed Swamp Fox, is now privately owned but once belonged to the active inventory of the Air National Guard following World War II. (Alex Fox Echols III/U.S. Air Force)
Two Warbird Thunder Flying Team SNJ-2 Texan aircraft perform during the Charleston Airshow at Joint Base Charleston, S.C., Saturday, April 20, 2024. (Alex Fox Echols III/U.S. Air Force)
A Warbird Thunder Flying Team SNJ-2 Texan aircraft passes by after performing during the Charleston Airshow at Joint Base Charleston, S.C., Saturday, April 20, 2024. (Alex Fox Echols III/U.S. Air Force)
