Italian Air Force demonstration team wows crowds in Las Vegas, continues tour to LA area

An Italian Air Force precision demonstration team, known as Frecce Tricolori, showcased a vibrant display of green, white, and red over the Las Vegas Strip on Wednesday. This marked the beginning of their North American tour, which will include stops in Los Angeles and Huntington Beach, California, in celebration of the upcoming U.S. Independence Day holiday. The team, comparable to the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, flew over iconic locations such as the Grand Canyon in Arizona and refueled at Nellis Air Force Base as part of their extensive 2024 tour, encompassing nine events and 17 flyovers. Led by Lt. Col. Massimiliano Salvatore, the Frecce Tricolori team expressed excitement about their first tour of the U.S. and Canada in over three decades. Based at Rivolto Air Base in Udine, Italy, the team comprises 10 skilled pilots flying Italian-built Aermacchi MB-339 jets. Following their Las Vegas performance, the team is scheduled to conduct flights over various California cities before proceeding to Canada. Their itinerary includes displays in Chicago, Milwaukee, and a series of events in August in cities like Philadelphia, New York, Washington, D.C., and Boston. The Italian National Aerobatic Team's visit to North America has generated significant interest and enthusiasm among aviation enthusiasts and spectators. The Frecce Tricolori's precision maneuvers and colorful aerial displays have captivated audiences along their tour route, showcasing the skill and expertise of the Italian Air Force pilots. With a packed schedule of flyovers and events planned in major cities across the U.S. and Canada, the team is set to leave a lasting impression as they continue their journey through North America. As part of their North American tour, the Frecce Tricolori team's visit to iconic locations and participation in various events symbolizes the strong bond between Italy and the United States in the realm of aviation and military cooperation. The exchange of expertise and cultural exchange through these aerial displays serves to strengthen international relations and foster goodwill between the two nations. The team's upcoming performances in California, Canada, and major U.S. cities are anticipated to draw large crowds and further enhance the camaraderie between the Italian and American air forces.