Thunderbirds returning to Great Falls

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds are returning to Montana next summer, this time to Great Falls.

The Montana Air National Guard requested the Air Force’s demonstration team in Great Falls and the team will perform in July 2017.

The 120th Airlift Wing will host the Thunderbirds during an open house commemorating the 70th anniversary of the MTANG and the United States Air Force.

Montana man soars with the Thunderbirds

The show is scheduled for July 22-23, 2017, according to the Thunderbirds website.

The Thunderbirds fly F-16 fighter jets and the 120th flew models of the F-16 from the late 1980s until 2008 when they switched to F-15s. The 120th is currently converting to C-130 cargo planes.

Officials with the 120th are in the initial planning stages to host the Thunderbirds and will be working with the 341st Missile Wing from Malmstrom Air Force Base and other military organizations in the state as partners for the event.

Kalispell man flies with Thunderbirds

They’ll also be coordinating with civic organizations and government agencies to make the 2017 open house a success for the military and the community.

Further details on other air show performers, dates and times of the event will be released in late 2016 or early 2017.

The Thunderbirds were last in Montana in 2014 when they performed in Kalispell’s air show. They performed in Helena in 2009 and they last brought their F-16 jets to Great Falls in 2005.