Kentucky Homecoming: Thunderbird Gives Us an Exclusive Preview of the 2026 Owensboro Air Show

Look! Up in the sky. It's a bird. It's a plane. No, it's a really fast U.S. Air Force Thunderbird! And there's more than one of 'em.

The 2026 Owensboro Air Show is coming up Friday, September 11th through Sunday, September 13th and we're thrilled to be able to welcome back the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, who'll be headlining this year's event. This will be the team's first trip back to town since 2023.

READ MORE: 15 Incredible Photos of the USAF Thunderbirds Taken from a Hotel Rooftop

My radio cohost Mary-Katherine Maddox and I had the opportunity to chat with Captain Hannah Durbin, who is one of the team's Public Affairs Officers, and she gave us a sneak preview of what we can expect this year.

U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds

Oh, quick fun fact. Captain Durbin happens to be from Kentucky and is looking forward to a sort of homecoming when the team flies into Owensboro.

Take a listen!

As you heard in that interview, I referenced the time I was given the opportunity to ride along. I have done a lot of really cool things in my lifetime (I am a rabid adventure seeker), but my flight with the Thunderbirds still ranks near the very top. It was insane!

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In case you're unfamiliar, "The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds are an elite 135-member team representing 31 different career fields. They fly signature red, white, and blue F-16s to showcase the precision, professionalism, and global readiness of the U.S. Air Force."

READ MORE: Six Fun Facts About the USAF Thunderbirds Featured at the Owensboro Air Show

And, if you're a Thunderbird, check this out. The Owensboro Air Show, in addition to featuring the nation's leading aerobatic teams in the sky above the mighty Ohio River, is also bringing some high-speed action to the ground for the first time. If you have the additional need for speed, you'll see it on the airport runway as incredibly fast 'supercars' put the pedal to the metal.

READ MORE: The Owensboro Air Show Is Bringing Exotic Supercars to the Runway

So, buckle up Owensboro Air Show fans. We're just weeks away from takeoff. We're ready. Are you?