Nellis Air Force Base, at the northern end of Las Vegas, was founded in 1941. Its original mission was the training of Air Force gunners to serve in World War II. Today, Nellis is known as "The Home of the Fighter Pilot," and trains pilots for combat using a variety of aircraft at the Headquarters Air Warfare Center.

Home Base of the Thunderbirds

Nellis Air Force Base is also the home of the Thunderbirds, the Air Force's demonstration squadron. This squadron, which consists of 140 people from 35 different Air Force specialties, travels all over the world as "America's Ambassadors in Blue." They have performed for nearly 300 million people in all 50 states and in more than 56 other countries.

The mission of the Thuderbirds is to present precision aerial demonstrations using the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Their thrilling shows promote good public relations and support Air Force recruitment. They also demonstrate the competence and skill of the Air Force to the American public and the citizens of countries they visit.

The Thunderbirds took to the skies in 1953. A part of their mission has always been to showcase the Air Force's best planes, so they have changed aircraft many times over the years. The F-16C, which has been used since 1992, is generally considered the best all-around fighter plane. In fact, it is the only fighter ever to win both of the Air Force's top competitions, the "Gunsmoke" air-to-ground competition and "William Tell," the competition to determine air superiority.