The United States Air Force Thunderbirds have officially touched down at Long Island MacArthur Airport on Tuesday — and Greater Long Island got a first look at the iconic red, white and blue F-16 fighter jets ahead of their big weekend.
The Thunderbirds are headlining the 2025 FourLeaf Air Show at Jones Beach State Park this Memorial Day weekend, with performances scheduled for Saturday, May 24, and Sunday, May 25, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This year marks the Thunderbirds’ 10th appearance as headliners of the Jones Beach air show. And they’re following up a record-setting crowd — last year’s 20th anniversary show drew more than 459,000 people over three days, making it the most highly attended air show in its history.
“We are thrilled to welcome the United States Air Force Thunderbirds as this year’s headliners and look forward to an amazing show by all our performers,” said George Gorman, regional director, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historical Preservation.
But before the weekend crowds gather at the beach, the elite demonstration squadron will take to the skies over Manhattan.
Flying down the Hudson
On Thursday, May 22, the Thunderbirds will conduct a dramatic flyover and photo mission along the Hudson River, soaring past the Statue of Liberty and other New York City landmarks.
The window for the flyover is scheduled between 9:40 a.m. and 11 a.m., with two passes planned — weather permitting.
- The first pass will begin at the mouth of the Hudson River and head northbound up to the George Washington Bridge.
- The second pass will reverse course, flying southbound back down the river toward the harbor.
More than a show
Known officially as the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds have represented the precision, skill and professionalism of the Air Force since 1953.
Flying the F-16 Fighting Falcon, the team performs tight formations and thrilling maneuvers meant to inspire audiences and honor the service of America’s Airmen — many of whom have also flown combat missions.
This year, fans can get an even closer look inside the cockpit. A new Netflix series, “Air Force Elite: Thunderbirds,”debuts on May 23, taking viewers behind the scenes with the squadron for the first time.
If you go
The 2025 FourLeaf Air Show
- Jones Beach State Park
- Saturday, May 24 & Sunday, May 25
- 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. each day
- Free with park admission
Full lineup of performers
In addition to the Thunderbirds, this year’s FourLeaf Air Show features an exciting mix of military and civilian aerial demonstrations:
Military Performers:
- U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team
- U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II
- U.S. Navy F-35C Demo Team
- U.S. Navy Rhino Demo Team
- U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler Demo Team
- North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD)
- 106th Rescue Wing, NY Air National Guard
- 105th Airlift Wing, NY Air National Guard
Civilian Performers:
- American Airpower Museum Warbirds
- Aarron Deliu – reigning Air Masters Cup Series and Sky Grand Prix Champion
- Warbird Thunder, featuring the North American SNJ Texan
- Farmingdale State College Flying Rams
- David Windmiller – Long Island’s own aerobatic pilot
Thunderbirds on LI photos
All photos by Angela Sasso
