Aerial excellence
HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii -- The unique paint scheme of the Thunderbirds, the U.S. Air Force Demonstration Squadron, is a recognized symbol of aerial precision and greatness across the globe. The preformed before a crowd of nearly 100,000 people during Hickam Air Force Base's "Wings Over the Pacific," Open House Sept. 19-20. The Thunderbirds demonstrate the capabilities the F-16 Fighting Falcon by performing combat maneuvers during their aerial demonstration. This is Hickam's first open house since 2003, and a crowd of nearly 100,000 paid a visit during the weekend. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Mike Meares)