The US Air Force Thunderbirds are making a surprise visit to their US Navy Blue Angel counterparts this week. The Thunderbirds are temporarily relocating from their home base at Nellis AFB to NAF El Centro, where the Blue Angels are currently stationed. Both teams are nearing the end of their winter training periods prior to their first public demonstrations of the 2020 airshow season, scheduled for March 14th.
The meetup is a surprise to fans, but the teams do like to visit each other from time to time to swap best practices. The Thunderbirds visited the Blues at their normal home base at NAS Pensacola in 2017. Both teams performed at the Andrews AFB airshow in 2019, and later that summer they joined the Canadian Snowbirds for an unprecedented photo flight.
Whatever the reason, the many spotters in Southern California now have a rare chance to see both US jet teams in one spot! According to one source, the training is only expected to last until this weekend. We expect some great photos to result and hope you’ll share any of your own on our forums! We’ll also post the practice flight times there if we can get our hands on them.
Check out our airshow calendar to see a full list of US and Canadian airshows, including where the Thunderbirds, Blue Angels, and Snowbirds will be performing!
Larry Placido
I’ll be leaving tomorrow afternoon for El Centro! Weather looks great according to the forecast too.
Elizabeth E. Moody
Will they be practicing on Saturday and Sunday, the 29th and 30th?
David F
Elizabeth all 3 squadrons of Thunderbirds, Blue Angels, and even the Snowbirds will be performing extensive training flights all day Feb 30. There will also be a meet and great open to the public on the 30th.
Susan Colyar
Are you flying today the 26th? I want to come watch before I leave for Utah on Sat. It takes me about 45 min. to get to El Central.
Ken Knotts
25467 West Northern lights way Buckeye,Az 85326
Art Parker
NAF El Centro, Calif is where I was stationed while serving in the Navy 1965-1969. I got to watch them practice every day.
Lupe Hernandez
I was born in El Centro, Ca
Maybe someday will get to see these beautiful Angels really close.
Jack
It SAD, That I’m STUCK in Jacksonville Florida!! But, I’ll C U the Angles,at NAS JAX this Fall
Julie Löwen
Love those birds!! Both USAF & USN!! Curious tho… what year did they start showing??
Jean
Love it and enjoy your local shows in Tidewater. Virginia. Thank you for sharing your skill
Don Weaver
Love these “GREAT” Teams !!!!
matt z
I’ll be seeing blue Angels fly at la county air show here in Lancaster CA. In March.
John Betancourt
I was a Navy Photographer there from 71-73. Would love to visit again.
Christopher R. Wheeler
Would love to see The Blue Angles preform.
Joyce Burns
Love to see both Blue Angels and Thunderbirds watched both for years
Mike
#gladtobehere Philosophy developed by the Blue Angels
Stephen L Sargent
We just love your Air Shows
Jerry Jones
How many fans would like to view 345 consecutive Thunderbirds Air Shows?
Debbie Miller
Dad was 20 yr. Air Force…was in Goodfellow AFB in San Angelo, Texas 68-72…then Pensacola 72 and 73…loved watching them practice…never got to see them together…they are awesome to see…
Bob Best
We were at JAX the day the BA’s were closed down a few years ago. It was all most could do to keep from sobbing! These folks are so very professional and fantastic. So thrilled that they are back in business and showing America’s might and skill!
Margaret M Saindon
So spectacular and awe inspiring. My brother and his son fly F16s.
Al Pagliaro
Are there any plans slated for Mt Comfort Indiana or Wright Patterson air shows soon?
Brian
I hope the Angels don’t follow the T’birds into the desert floor like the T’birds have done in training…
David F
Elizabeth all 3 squadrons of Thunderbirds, Blue Angels, and even the Snowbirds will be performing extensive training flights all day Feb 30. There will also be a meet and great open to the public on the 30th.
DeanR
I’ll mark that down on my calendar right now, thanks!
Shirley Watson
Please let me know when the BLUE ANGELS will be in Pensacola, Fla in 2020
I live in De Funiak Springs on the Panhandle of Florida. Would love to see them.TU.
W Pepper
I’m having a problem with the Feb. 30 date from David F
Sandra G
I am really confused about a comment from Elizabeth Moody and David F. There is NO February 30th!! Are you talking about March?
Robert Cole
Blues and Tbirds flew together at Tyndall AFB, Panama City Florida, 30 some years ago.
The Thunderbirds were doing a air show and the Blue Angels were returning from Tampa on there way to Pensacola and they came by and did a little show.
Donna M
David F, exactly where would you find this February 30th you speak of???
Teresa
Would have enjoyed the video online better if the announcer would keep his noise to himself. Very distracting. If the announcer could tell us what the Thunderbirds were doing while videoing. This was not the case. A lot of roaring noise from this voice. Didn’t like. You can do better who ever you were. Too much deep sound roaring voice on the microphone. Disappointed in the announcer.
Loved the air show video’s