Aerobatics Show Returns To March Air Base After 4-Year Hiatus

MORENO VALLEY (CBSLA.com) – The Thunderbirds are back in town this weekend for a free air show at March Air Reserve Base in Moreno Valley.

Locals like Kevin Flores and his kids can't help but feel patriotic watching the pilots practice for Air Fest, ripping up the sky doing twists and turns.

"Actually, when I see them, that song "Proud to be an American" comes to my head, Flores said.

And for Alexandra Montez, a Moreno Valley resident, "that noise is the noise of all our soldiers that were up in the sky before."

The free air show is flying high again after a four-year hiatus because of budget cuts.

And this year, CBS2/KCAL9 reporter Crystal Cruz, call-sign "Cruzer," got to fly with pilot "Banker" and the civilian-owned aerobatic Patriots Jet Team during practice for the show.

"We have a tremendous community around March. It's our way to give back to them and highlight the bravery of our military men and women who serve this county," said Linda Welz, March Air Reserve spokeswoman.