The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds are coming back to Las Vegas. This Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 6:45 p.m., six F-16C Fighting Falcons will execute a rare delta formation flyover of the Las Vegas Valley and Hoover Dam—the first time since 2020 that the iconic V-shaped formation has graced the skies above the city. The flyover is part of Southern Nevada’s America 250 bicentennial celebration and marks a partnership between the Air Force and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.
Formation Flying at Its Finest
Six jets in tight formation. The aircraft will be separated by as little as 1.5 feet, flying the delta configuration—a V-shaped formation that closes out most Thunderbirds demonstrations. This maneuver demands millisecond timing and nerves of steel. All formation flying happens at 450 to 500 mph, leaving zero margin for error.
Lt. Col. Alexander Prevendar, Thunderbird 1 and squadron commander, will lead from the center position. “It’s an incredible honor for the Thunderbirds to fly over our hometown this weekend,” Prevendar said. “As America marks 250 years, we’re proud to celebrate alongside our community and reflect on the freedom, service, and unity that define who we are as a nation.”
Nellis Air Force Base has been home to the Thunderbirds since 1956. The 135-person organization spans 31 different career fields and represents Las Vegas and Southern Nevada on the national and international stage. The squadron was originally activated in 1953 in Arizona and has now been flying for seven decades.
The Last Six-Ship Delta Over Las Vegas
April 11, 2020. That’s when the Thunderbirds last flew a six-ship delta formation over the Las Vegas Valley—a tribute flight honoring healthcare workers, first responders, and essential personnel fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. The formation tracked through Centennial Hills, Summerlin, Spring Valley, along the Las Vegas Strip, and down to Henderson before returning to base.
This Saturday’s route will follow a similar geographic arc across the valley and culminate with a dramatic pass over Hoover Dam. A 45,000-square-foot American flag—300 feet wide by 150 feet tall—has been suspended since Memorial Day. The flag weighs approximately 2,000 pounds and is rigged to withstand continuous deployment through July 4. The dam’s nightly patriotic lighting display will create a stunning backdrop for the formation pass.
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority expects to release specific waypoints and viewing location guidance later this week.
What Makes the Delta Special
The Thunderbirds maintain eight distinct formations: the Diamond, Delta, Stinger, Arrowhead, Line-Abreast, Trail, Echelon, and Five Card. The delta is operationally the most demanding. It requires the flight lead to fly inverted relative to the opposing solo and demands extreme precision from the four trail aircraft.
This flyover comes just 13 days after the Thunderbirds and U.S. Navy Blue Angels executed a rare “Super Delta” formation over Washington, D.C., on June 14 as part of Freedom 250 activities. The Las Vegas event underscores the squadron’s commitment to bringing America 250 celebrations to communities across the nation.
Planning Your Viewpoint
Hoover Dam and the Las Vegas Strip are confirmed anchor points for the flight path. Weather permitting, the 6:45 p.m. start time should offer photographers excellent late-afternoon light. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority will publish detailed viewing guidance and flight path information in the coming days.
This is a free, public event—no tickets required. The Thunderbirds’ next full demonstration schedule begins with the summer air show circuit later this month.
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