Thunder air show draws large crowds for 75th Air Force celebration

Hundreds of thousands of spectators lined the banks of the Ohio River April 23 for the annual Thunder Over Louisville air show, which marked its return with more than 30 aircraft to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Air Force.

Featured performers included the U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demo team and the Kentucky Air National Guard's new C-130J Super Hercules. Other Air Force acts included the B-2 Spirit, C-17 Globemaster III, F-15E Strike Eagle, F-16 Viper and KC-46 Pegasus, as well as more than a half-dozen historic aircraft such as the B-24 Liberator, B-29 Superfortress and P-51D Mustang.

"This is my first Thunder and I'm certainly hoping it will not be the last," said U.S. Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin, who was the guest of honor at this year's show.

U.S. Air Force Gen. David W. Allvin, Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force, tours a static display of aircraft the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., April 23, 2022. Allvin was in town for the Thunder Over Louisville air show, which celebrated the 75th anniversary of the United States Air Force. The Kentucky Air Guard served as the base of operations for military aircraft participating in the event. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Joshua Horton) — Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. David W. Allvin tours a static display of aircraft the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., April 23, 2022. Allvin was in town for the Thunder Over Louisville air show, which celebrated the 75th anniversary of the United States Air Force. The Kentucky Air Guard served as the base of operations for military aircraft participating in the event. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Joshua Horton)

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