The USAF Thunderbirds aircraft and personnel arrived at Spaceport America Thursday to begin their winter training session. Courtesy/Allan Turk II
SPACEPORT AMERICA News:
LAS CRUCES — For the fifth time in as many years, the United States Air Force (USAF) Air Demonstration Squadron Thunderbirds have touched down at Spaceport America.
There, the team members will engage in an extensive training period leading up to their 2026 performances.
Throughout much of January, the Thunderbirds, comprised of roughly 70 team members (12 of whom are officers) serving in dozens of Air Force job specialties, will log dozens of training hours at the Sierra County site to hone their individual and collective skills.
“Winter training is an absolutely critical time for this team,” said Lt. Col. Alexander Prevendar, Commander/Leader of the Thunderbirds. “It’s an incredible opportunity to come together and rehearse every piece of our operations. The public demonstration you will see in March would not be possible without this time together – learning from one another–to forge Team 2026.”
Lt. Col. Alexander Prevendar
Thunderbirds Commander/Leader
During demonstration routines, the Thunderbirds’ pilots operate six F-16 Fighting Falcons, the Air Force’s using legendary and combat proven multi-fighter. The 2026 edition of the team will be integrating three new pilots into its maneuvers with the goal of perfecting its demonstration display.
“This is a great day for New Mexico and Spaceport America. The training the Thunderbirds achieve here sets the foundation for their upcoming season, and we get the privilege of both hosting and providing a great location to fly,” said Spaceport America Director of Aerospace Operations Allan Turk II. “I’m really excited to get started and provide world-class customer service to a world-class organization.”
Allan Turk II
Spaceport America Director of Aerospace Operations
A 30-year veteran of the USAF, Turk II retired from active service with the rank of chief master sergeant – something only 1.25% of the USAF’s enlisted ranks may hold at any given time in accordance with federal law.
The relationship between Spaceport America and the Thunderbirds extends back to 2021, when, for the first time, the squadron trained outside of its home base of Nellis Air Force Base in preparation for the 2022 show season. Thanks to the restricted airspace available at Spaceport America through its partner, the U.S. Army White Sands Missile Range, the Thunderbirds were able to practice efficiently and without the time constraints they face at other locations.
Following their departure from Spaceport America later in the month, the Thunderbirds will transition to the next phase of their training at Edwards Air Force Base in Southern California. From there, the team is scheduled to travel to Daytona, Fla., to begin its 2026 performance season by performing a flyover at the Daytona 500 Sunday, Feb. 15. It marks the 16th consecutive year in which the Thunderbirds will perform a flyover at the event.