Thunderbirds storm into Rosecrans for Sound of Speed Airshow

By Chris Fortune

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds made their return to St. Joseph Thursday as they prepared to entertain spectators with a display over the weekend.

The Thunderbirds arrived in style performing an aerial display ahead of the Sound of Speed Air Show and open house on Saturday and Sunday.

“I’m sure the people of Saint Joseph heard them as they flew over,” 139th Airlift Wing spokesperson Michael Crane said. “When they show up, not only do you hear it, you can feel it in your chest. It’s a very exciting feeling.”

Thunderbird pilot Maj. Jake “Primo” Impellizzeri is among the six Thunderbirds who will take to the skies over the weekend. He comes from a military family and received his private pilot’s license during his senior year of high school.

“Growing up around planes going to the Dayton air show, really seeing the fighter jets ripping around kind of planted the seed of always wanting to be a fighter pilot,” he said. “And now here I am, and it’s awesome.”

The experience has come full circle for Primo, as kids will watch him perform during the Sound of Speed Air Show.

“It’s super inspiring, but really, it’s humbling,” Impellizzeri said. “It’s cool to be on the other side. I remember as a kid watching these airplanes wrap around the sky and just thinking it was impossible to do.”

This weekend will be the first time the Thunderbirds have performed in St. Joseph since the 2021 Sound of Speed Air Show.

Gates will open at 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and the shows start at noon. For more information about the Sound of Speed Air Show, visit stjairshow.com.

“I would definitely recommend bringing your walking shoes,” Crane said. “We’re allowing people to bring water, too, as long as it’s sealed and see-through.”