Ambassadors of goodwill

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds pose for a photograph with the U.S. Ambassador to Finland, Bruce J. Oreck, at Turku Air Base, Finland, June 18, 2011. The Thunderbird visit marks the first time in the team's 58-year history to fly in Finland. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Richard Rose Jr./Released)

Flight in Finland

Lt. Col. Case Cunningham, Thunderbird #1, and Tech. Sgt. Paul DeGrechie pull off the old flag panel, revealing the new panel bearing the flag of Finland at Turku Air Base, Finland, June 18, 2011. This marks the first time in the team's 58-year history to fly in Finland. The Thunderbirds will perform in nine countries during their European tour, fostering international goodwill and representing America's Airmen around the globe. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt Richard Rose Jr./Released)

Major Henry "Schadow" Schantz, F-22 Demonstration Pilot

ACC F-22 Demo Pilot

Maj Dylan "Habu" Thorpe, F-16 Viper East Demonstration Pilot

ACC A-10 East Demo Pilot

Rising Raptor

The F-22 Demonstration Team Raptor performs a steep ascend as vapor trails from the aircraft. Demo teams gathered at Langley Air Force Base, Va., Feb. 1-3 to certify before beginning their 2011 demonstration tours. (U.S. Air Force photo by Justin R. Oakes)

Viper vapor

Afterburner flares as vapor streams from a Viper West F-16 during a practice flight at Langley Air Force Base, Va., Feb. 1. (U.S. Air Force photo by Scott Knuteson)

Hanging out

A Viper West pilot's gear rests on the wing of an F-16 during a visit to Langley Air Force Base, Va., Feb. 1. (U.S. Air Force photo by Justin R. Oakes)

After practice

Maj. Dylan Thorpe, A-10 East Demonstration Team pilot, raises the canopy after a practice flight at Langley Air Force Base, Va., Feb. 1. (U.S. Air Force photo by Scott Knuteson)

A-10 East preps for certification

Two A-10 East Demonstration Team crew chiefs prepare one of the A-10 Thunderbolts for a practice flight at Langley Air Force Base, Va., Feb. 1. (U.S. Air Force photo by Justin R. Oakes)

Raising the Raptor

The F-22 Demonstration Team Raptor takes off from the runway of Langley Air Force Base, Va., Feb. 1, in preparation for the 2011 Air Combat Command aerial demo team certification. Once certified by the ACC commander, demo teams may begin showcasing their aircraft at various air shows across the nation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Scott Knuteson)

Ready to roll

A Viper West Demonstration Team crew chief prepares to signal his F-16 demo team pilot prior launch at Langley Air Force Base, Va., Feb. 1. Viper West was just one of many teams that gathered at Langley to perform and receive their annual certification. Once the commander of Air Combat Command certifies each team, they are able to showcase their capabilities at various air shows around the country. (U.S. Air Force photo by Scott Knuteson)

Certifiably ready

An A-10 West Demonstration Team "Warthog" showcases its flying capabilites in the skies above Langley Air Force Base, Va., Feb. 1. Air Combat Command demo teams receive annual certification before performing at any air show. The A-10 Thunderbolt II is the first Air Force aircraft specially designed for close air support of ground forces. It is a simple, effective and survivable twin-engine jet aircraft that can be used against all ground targets, including tanks and other armored vehicles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Justin Oakes)