The Red Arrows At Willow Run

Exactly 250 years ago the U.S. was fighting the British for independence. This weekend I had the privilege of seeing The Red Arrows (the British Royal Air Force's aerobatics display team) help celebrate this year's iconic anniversary of that revolutionary event. An event which ranked as one of the most important historical outcomes to shape today's Western world. 

Though the Red Arrows commonly perform in Britain, it is a rare treat indeed to see them in the United States. The Red Arrows were one of several performances at what is known as "Thunder Over Michigan". In its 28th year, Thunder Over Michigan is the Michigan Flight Museum's annual air show at Willow Run Airport. The location is historically significant in its own right, as it is where the Ford Motor Company built roughly half of all B-24 bombers produced in the United States during World War II. 

Please see here a few of the pictures I took of the Red Arrows performing in their Hawk training aircraft (with visually stunning trails of red, white and blue smoke). The Red Arrows have used these aircraft (otherwise employed for advanced pilot training) since 1979. The four published roles of the Red Arrows include representing and showcasing the skills and values of the Royal Air Force, supporting British industry, assisting in defence diplomacy, and aiding recruitment for the UK Armed Forces. If anyone is lucky enough to see them fly, then it will become obvious these pilots do more than enough to meet those goals.