The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds perform a flyover prior to the NASCAR Cup Series 63rd Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 14, 2021 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)

Interview with Thunderbird pilots:

The world-renowned U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds performed the flyover on Sunday for the 63rd annual DAYTONA 500at Daytona International Speedway.

The flyover marked the 11th consecutive year, and 12th total, that “America’s Ambassadors in Blue” – officially known as the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron – showcased their world-class talent and precise choreography flying their signature “Delta” formation over the World Center of Racing at the end of the National Anthem for The Great American Race.

“We’re honored to have the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds continue to be a part of the traditional DAYTONA 500 pre-race ceremonies,” Daytona International Speedway President Chip Wile said. “For both the thousands of fans in attendance and the millions more watching on television, the sight of the USAF Thunderbirds soaring over the race track at the end of the National Anthem is one of the most exhilarating and treasured moments of the DAYTONA 500 experience.”

“We are excited to fly over the Daytona 500 again this year,” said Lt. Col. John Caldwell, Commander and Leader of U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. “This amazing event has kicked off our demonstration season for the past ten years, and we are grateful for the partnership between the Speedway and Air Force. There is always a lot of enthusiasm surrounding this race, and we’re honored to share the pride, precision and professionalism of the 693,000 total force Airmen to NASCAR fans around the world.”

The Thunderbirds feature six F-16 Fighting Falcons, the Air Force’s premier multi-role fighter aircraft. Assigned to Air Combat Command, the squadron is composed of 12 officers and more than 120 enlisted personnel serving in nearly 30 Air Force job specialties. They have a rigorous schedule, performing hour-long demonstrations across the United States nearly 30 weekends between April and November.

Since the unit’s inception in 1953, more than 400 million people in all 50 states and more than 60 countries have witnessed the distinctive red, white and blue jets in thousands of official aerial demonstrations.

USAF Thunderbird team members:

·       Lieutenant Colonel John Caldwell, Thunderbird 1 – Commander and Leader, is from Orlando, Florida. He leads all the flying demonstrations as well as commands the 130-person squadron.

·       Major Zane Taylor, Thunderbird 3 – Right Wing Pilot, is also from Orlando, Florida.

·       TSgt Paton Holmes, #1 Assistant Dedicated Crew Chief, is from Islamorada, Florida.

·       TSgt Ned Johnston, Non-commissioned officer In-Charge of Public Affairs Operations, is from Tampa Bay, Florida.

·       TSgt Joshua Williams, Maintenance/Line Chief, is from St. Augustine, Florida.

·       SSgt Ryan Burns, Aircraft Maintenance Phase Technician, is from Pensacola, Florida.

·       SrA Aarien Foster, Aircraft Structural Maintenance Technician, is from Bradenton, Florida.