The Wandering Disciple

  The grand finale ignites the sky over Lakeland, Florida as the United States Air Force Thunderbirds streak across the horizon at the SUN ‘N FUN Aerospace Expo. In a blur of speed, precision, and thunderous power, the team delivers a breathtaking display of tight formations and high-energy maneuvers that define the pinnacle of military aviation performance. As the main event, their show-stopping routine leaves the crowd in awe with an unforgettable crescendo to one of aviation’s premier gatherings.

  Raw power meets unmatched precision at the SUN ‘N FUN Aerospace Expo as Nic “Laz” Le Tourneau pushes the limits of the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor in a breathtaking demonstration. With explosive climbs, tight high-alpha maneuvers, and seemingly effortless control, the Raptor defies expectations at every turn. Each pass showcases the cutting edge of air dominance technology, while Laz’s precision flying transforms raw capability into a powerful, crowd-stopping performance.

Heavy lifters and mission-ready power take center stage at the SUN ‘N FUN Aerospace Expo as the C-17 Globemaster III, KC-46 Pegasus, and KC-135 Stratotanker showcase the backbone of global mobility and refueling operations. Representing Altus Air Force Base, these aircraft highlight the critical role the base plays as the primary training ground for pilots and crews who operate them. From strategic airlift to in-flight refueling, every mission begins with the training and precision honed at Altus—where the next generation of air mobility and tanker pilots is built.

Today we celebrate Veterans Day and give a giant thanks to the brave men and woman who served our nation's armed forces and protected us with a blanket of freedom. The federal holiday established to honor our the veterans, falls on November 11 and marks the Armistice Day that ended World War I. To honor our Vets, today's Photo of the Day features the US Air Force's Heritage Flight, the demo unit of the air force designated to honor our nation's armed forces and veterans. (Photo: October 17, 2021)

The F-16 of the Viper Demo Team streaks across the sky during the Florida International Air Show. The F-16 is a multi-role fighter capable of air to ground and air to air combat missions. For over 30 years, the aircraft has been an integral part of the US Air Force’s arsenal in missions across the globe. The F-16 Viper Demo is based out of Shaw Air Force Base and flies a single ship demonstration and also participates in the US Air Force’s Heritage Flight. (Photo: October 17, 2021)

A C-17 Globemaster III from Joint Base Charleston performs a flight demonstration during the Florida International Air Show. Nicknamed the Moose due to a sound it makes while refueling, the C-17 is a heavy lifter for the United States Air Force. Assigned to Air Mobility Command, the C-17 provides airlift service across the globe in support of the nation’s armed service’s mission. Most recently, the C-17 was directly involved with the massive evacuation of refugees from Afghanistan. This aircraft is from the C-17 East Coast Demo Team, one of two demo teams that showcase the moose. (Photo: October 15, 2021))

The US Air Force Heritage Flight is a flying tribute to generations of American air power. Formed on December 6, 2010, the heritage flight travels the country as a living tribute to those who have served and continue to serve. Each performance mixes modern day fighters with fighters from World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War. On this particular heritage flight at the 2020 Holiday Flying Festival in Lakeland, the heritage flight featured the P-51 Mustang, F-16 Fighting Falcon and the newest fighter the F-35 Lightning II. (Photo: December 5, 2020)

When you are flying a mission thousands of miles from home, you can't just pull of the exit and stop for fuel.  Enter the Air Refueling Wing.  With tankers across the globe, the mission of the ARW is extend the range of the US Air Force.  The primary workhorse tankers are the KC-135 Stratotanker and the KC-10 Extender, but recently the KC-46 Pegasus has entered into the mix.  This KC-135 Stratotanker pictured here is from the 161st Air Refueling Wing of the Arizona Air National Guard.  (Photo: January 9, 2021)

The F-16 Fighting Falcon buzzes the flight line on its take-off roll during a performance by the US Air Force F-16 Viper Demon Team at the 2020 Holiday Flying Festival at Lakeland Linder International Airport. The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a multi-role fighter built by General Dynamics and entered into service for the US Air Force in the late 70's. The aircraft is more commonly known as the viper due to its snake like appearance. In addition to active service by the US Air Force, Air Force Reserves and National Guard, the F-16 also serves as an aggressor aircraft for the US Navy. Its power is showcased as part of two Air Combat Command demo teams, performing a solo act with the F-16 Viper Demo Team and as the team aircraft of the Air Force's premier demonstration team The US Air Force Thunderbirds. (Photo: December 5, 2020)

Captain Kristin "Beo" Wolfe shows off the internal payload compartment of the F-35 Lightning II during a performance at the 2020 Holiday Flying Festival and Car Show at Lakeland Linder Airport. The F-35 is a fight generation fighter developed Lockheed Martin for the US Air Force, US Navy and US Marine Corps to replace aging fighter aircraft. The F-35 carries its weapons and payload internally, reducing drag and helping the aircraft reach Mach 1.6 of 1220 miles per hour. The capabilities of the F-35 are demonstrated at air shows across the country by the F-35A Lightning II Demo Team based at Hill Air Force Base. (Photo: December 5, 2020)

A US Air Force C-32 flies into MacDill Air Force Base flying as a decoy for Vice President Pence's visit to Kennedy Space Center for the launch of the SpaceX manned rocket. It is common practice to fly an identical decoy to any of the VIP transports as a safety measure. While the real Air Force Two landed at Kennedy Space Center, the decoy headed over to MacDill. This serves a few purposes, primarily to provide a cover for the VP and also provides a back-up nearby should the primary suffer mechanical problems. (Photo: May 30, 2020)

One of my favorite things is to just pick a road and get lost. Take a turn off the highway and onto the backroads to explore the small towns that make up the state. Sometimes you take a wrong turn and end up finding cool things, like this retired US Air Force F-84F Thunderstreak located in the Veteran’s Park in Wauchula, Florida. (Photo: April 26, 2020)

The A-10 Thunderbolt II, is both a favorite friend of ground troops in the US armed forces and fear foe to enemy combatants. Also known as the Warthog, the A-10 is a close-air support used to destroy enemy ground troops, tanks and armored vehicles. Designed by Fairchild Republic, the A-10 entered service in 1977 and has seen action in multiple theaters of war in the middle east. Over 700 A-10's were manufactured by Fairchild Republic exclusively for the US Air Force and almost 300 of them remain in service. The A-10 pictured here is from the 163d Fighter Squadron of the Indiana Air National Guard. (Photo: February 19, 2020)

Air Force Two makes a final approach into Southwest Florida International Airport as Vice President Mike Pence and family head to Sanibel Island for a little rest and relaxation. When most people think of Air Force Two, they see the iconic C-32, military version of the Boeing 757, as the Vice President's plane. But in fact Air Force Two is just the call sign assigned to any Air Force aircraft with the Vice President onboard. For this trip, the second family opted for the smaller C-37, a military version of the Gulfstream V business jet. (Photo: January 2, 2019)

A demonstration of American air superiority helped kick off the 2020 Outback Bowl as the US Air Force conducted a fly-over of Raymond James Stadium as part of the pregame ceremonies. The excitement in the air led the way for excitement on the field as the Big Ten Minnesota Golden Gophers defeated the SEC's Auburn Tigers 31-24 on the New Years Day classic bowl game. (Photo: January 1, 2020)

“Thunderbirds, Let’s Run Them Up!” Those are the orders from the lead pilot of the diamond formation as the US Air Force Thunderbirds take to the skies during their performance. The six ship demonstration team is the third oldest demonstration team in the world. Based at Nellis Air Force Base, the Thunderbirds travel the country showcasing their precision flying before millions of spectators. This photos of the squadron comes from their performance at the 2019 Florida International Air Show in Punta Gorda, Florida. (Photo: November 3, 2019)

When the US Armed Forces needs an invisible eye in the sky to monitor and assess threats post 9/11, they turned to the RQ-4 Global Hawk. This drone produced by Northrup Grumman would allow operators to get similar surveillance as provided by the U-2 but without placing a pilot in hostile territory. The RQ-4 is capable of surveying over 40,000 square miles a day. (Photo: December 22, 2014)

A US Air Force C-17 Globemaster III arrives heavy at Southwest Florida International Airport. The C-17 is one of the Air Force's heavy lifters, used to support the Air Force mission worldwide by providing supplies to crews across the globe. Manufactured by Boeing and introduced to service in 1995, the C-17 is capable of delivering over 170,000 pounds of payload. This particular C-17 was on a Reach mission, a special mission providing support to the Vice President's Secret Service detail. (Photo: October 9, 2019)

The United States air power from past and present are on display during the USAF Heritage Flight during the 2011 MacDill AirFest. The Heritage Flight travels the country to show the advancement in technology for the US Air Force. For this demonstration, the World War II era P-51 Mustang paired with the F-15E Strike Eagle. (Photo: November 6, 2011)

On this Veteran's Day and everyday, a big thank you goes out to our nation's veterans for all the sacrifices they made to ensure the freedoms we enjoy.  While Veteran's Day is just one day on a calendar, the appreciation goes 365 days a year.  Thank you for answering the call to keep us safe and protect our way of life.  (Photo: November 4, 2018)