The 2016 Air Force Academy graduation flyover was held on 2 June 2016. The ceremony featured a commencement address by the President of the United States under clear skies. However, the thousands of people watching from nearby could not hear that. Instead, the focus is on the flyover performed by the US Air Force precision flying team, the Thunderbirds.
While Colorado Springs is noted for its sunny weather, this was the first time in a few years when the flyover was not overcast and rainy. In 2015, for instance, it was so overcast that they almost had to cancel the flyover. They got it in just before it began to rain.
The 2016 event went flawlessly. Unfortunately, on the way back to base, one of the aircraft crashed. The pilot ejected without injury, and there were no casualties on the ground.
Anyway, these are some pictures I took at the event. They should give you a feel for what it is like to be there.
The Thunderbirds are awesome!
2016
