Get ready for a jaw-dropping aerial display as the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds return to Pueblo this September for the 2025 Wings of Pride Airshow.
After more than 25 years, the elite demonstration squadron is making a comeback to Pueblo Memorial Airport on September 27 and 28. The Thunderbirds — named after the thunder-making spirit in Native American mythology — will join forces with other top-tier performers, including the U.S. Army Golden Knights, to wow the crowd with precision flying and powerful performances.
“If we haven’t been there in five years, we make sure to come out and dot our I’s, cross our T’s, and put on a great show,” said Maj. Brandon Maxson, the Thunderbirds’ advance pilot and narrator.
Maxson, accompanied by his crew chief Staff Sgt. Michael Dejournett, landed an F-16 Fighting Falcon at the airport on August 5 to conduct a site survey ahead of the big weekend. A graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Maxson said it felt great to be back in Colorado.
Behind the Scenes: Precision, Power, and Passion
The Thunderbirds’ mission? Recruit, retain, and inspire.
Six of the team’s highly trained pilots will perform in Pueblo, while Maxson serves as the voice of the Thunderbirds from the ground, narrating each thrilling maneuver. The show will include:
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Tight formations — flying just 18 inches apart
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The signature “bomb burst” — four jets soaring straight up before splitting in opposite directions
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Solo acts — highlighting the F-16’s raw power with high-G maneuvers and inverted flying
“These shows take two-plus years of planning. The Pueblo airshow staff has been amazing,” Maxson said.
Meet the Team
The Thunderbirds consist of 130 hand-selected members, including 12 officers and a dedicated team of enlisted personnel, from maintenance techs to public affairs pros.
“They’re showcasing the excellence, commitment, and integrity of our service men and women,” said retired Air Force Maj. Gen. Brian Bishop, a former Thunderbird and current representative for the Wings of Pride show.
Mark Your Calendar
The 2025 airshow season ends in November — and the next day, the 2026 team takes flight. That’s how dedicated and seamless the operation is.
🎟️ Tickets for the Wings of Pride Airshow are on sale now:
👉 wingsofpride.com/tickets
Don’t miss your chance to witness one of the most electrifying air displays in the country — right here in Pueblo.
This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.
Katie is a senior who has been on staff for three years. Her favorite type of stories to write is reviews and features. Katie’s favorite ice cream flavor is strawberry.
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