The Thunderbirds are the air demonstration squadron of the U.S. Air Force (USAF), based at Nellis AFB in Las Vegas, Nevada. The "Ambassadors in Blue" tour the United States and much of the world, performing aerobatic formations and solo flying in specially marked USAF F-16/C Fighting Falcon Jet Aircraft. They are the Fastest Flying Jet Team in the world. The name is taken from the legendary creature that appears in the mythology of several indigenous North American cultures.

Officers serve a two-year assignment with the squadron, while enlisted personnel serve three to four. As the squadron performs no more than 88 air demonstrations each year, replacements must be trained for about half of the team each year, in order to provide a constant mix of experience.

In addition to their air demonstration responsibilities, the Thunderbirds are part of the USAF combat force and if required, can be rapidly integrated into an operational fighter unit. Since February 15, 1974 the Thunderbirds have been a component of the 57th Wing at Nellis AFB. Since 1953, they have flown in front of 300+ million people.