Thunderbirds battle rain and wind during test run for Air Force Academy graduation

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) - A little rain and wind couldn't stop the Thunderbirds from getting ready for the United States Air Force Academy Graduation.

"The Air Force Academy graduation flight was always a special one for us," Maj. Josh Burress, a Thunderbird Pilot, told KRDO13, "especially for graduates like myself. It's always best to come back and help give that celebratory feeling that we all had whenever we were graduates."

On Tuesday, the Thunderbirds gathered at the Academy for a dry run after coming in from Florida.

This year, the biggest obstacle might not be the death-defying stunts, but instead the weather.

"We're hoping for the best weather, and I know there's going to be thunderstorms in the area. But I can promise you, if it's safe to fly, we'll get these jets up in the air, and we will fight everything we can to get those jets to fly out of the stadium," Maj. Burress said

Hopefully, the rain can stay away for a couple of hours on Thursday morning to give the newest class of Air Force Academy Graduates a chance to shine.

"My biggest advice to the graduating cadets is to absolutely enjoy the moment. You've worked really hard to get here and really try to soak it in," Maj. Burress said.

You can watch the full United States Air Force Academy Graduation LIVE on KRDO 13.3. The ceremony runs 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. with extended coverage on KRDO13 at Noon.

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