FORT LAUDERDALE – U.S. Air Force jets soared fast over Fort Lauderdale on Saturday for the first time in years due to 2013 sequestration budget cuts.
It was also the first time the F-35 Lightening II Joint Strike Fighter, which hasn't been approved for combat, joined a U.S. civilian air show. The F-35 will perform maneuvers with a vintage World War II fighter bomber plane -- the P-51 Mustang.
The hour-long Thunderbirds' F-16 aerial maneuvers, including their iconic four-jet diamond formation, were set to fly over on Sunday. The U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier Jet, the U.S. Navy F/A-18 Hornet were also ready.
The lineup also included the red and white Canadian Armed Forces nine Snowbirds and F-18 Superhornet, a twin-engine supersonic fighter jet with aerodynamic characteristics.
The show -- from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday -- was visible from the For Lauderdale Dog Beach, 901 N. Atlantic Blvd.
Tickets for the Drop Zone Beach area are $40 for adults and $22 for children ages 6-12. For more information, call 1-877-301-8499.
MEET PILOTS: The U.S. Air Force Thunderbird team and the Lucas Oil Parachute team will be at the Marriott Harbor Beach, 3030 Holiday Dr., in Fort Lauderdale. The event is free.
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Fort Lauderdale air show! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/zGgjgFulvb
— Kelly Doton (@KDotonBCFH) May 7, 2016