Based at Nellis AFB, NV, the Thunderbirds are the air demonstration squadron of the U.S. Air Force. The group tours the U.S. and elsewhere, performing aerobatics and solo flying in specially-marked F-16 aircraft. The group performs up to 88 demonstrations a year and has never been forced to cancel a performance because of maintenance issues. In addition to their demonstration work, the Thunderbirds are part of the USAF combat force and can be integrated rapidly into an operation fighter unit. The unit traces its history to the 30th Aero Squadron, which served in France during World War I.