British, French And U.S. Flight Demonstration Teams Mark America’s 250th Anniversary

“It’s a pleasure to be here to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence,” said Wing Commander John Bond, Red 1, team leader for the Red Arrows, at Martin State Airport on June 27. “It was great to display today down at Baltimore, and we’re looking forward to tomorrow, and the rest of our five-week tour.”

Photo by Meredith Winter

The Red Arrows pilots fly Hawk T1s – transonic, two-seat jets – to demonstrate the excellence of the Royal Air Force.

Photo by Meredith Winter

Also known as the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows have flown for over 60 seasons.

Photo by Meredith Winter

Along with the Red Arrows, the Patrouille de France painted the Baltimore sky a patriotic red, white and blue with vibrant smoke.

Photo by Meredith Winter

Commissioned in 1953, the Patrouille de France currently fly Alpha Jets to perform elegant formations and dynamic passes. For this anniversary mission, the aircraft featured special tail markings, with the French flag and American stars and stripes on either side.

Photo by Meredith Winter

Flying F/A-18E/F Super Hornets since 2020, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels performed many of their signature maneuvers over Fort McHenry, including the knife edge pass, sneak pass and signature diamond formation pictured here.

Photo by Meredith Winter

Lieutenant Colonel Brandon Wilkins joined the Blue Angels in 2024 and pilots jet number 4.

Photo by Meredith Winter

Lieutenant Chris Houben and fellow Blue Angels pilots and team members greeted guests at Martin State Airport after flying over Baltimore on June 27.

Photo by Meredith Winter

Major Taylor Hiester, commander and pilot of the U.S. Air Force F-16 Demonstration Team, prepared for takeoff from Martin State Airport.

Photo by Meredith Winter

The F-16 Viper is a supersonic, multirole fighter jet capable of reaching Mach 2, or about 1,500 miles per hour.

Photo by Meredith Winter

Posted Thursday, July 16, 2026 11:36 am

At the end of June, Sail250 Maryland and Baltimore Airshow drew large crowds into the city to see a spectacular fleet of international and U.S. tall ships, historic vessels and modern military ships in celebration of the country’s 250th birthday.

Four elite flight demonstration teams screamed across the skies overhead during an airshow on June 27 and 28. Despite challenging weather conditions at times, the British Royal Air Force Red Arrows, the French Air & Space Force Patrouille de France, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, and the U.S. Air Force F-16 Viper Demonstration Team wowed spectators below with precise aerobatics and aerial displays of patriotism.

Martin State Airport welcomed crowds during the airshows to watch aircraft take off and land, and to meet the skilled Red Arrows and Blue Angels pilots and team members. Baltimore was the third of five cities to take part in Sail250, with the celebration continuing in New York City and Boston in the weeks that followed.