FOR RELEASE: July 1, 2026
CONTACT: Colorado National Guard Public Affairs, 720-250-1053, ng.co.coarng.list.militarysupport@army.mil or Colorado Air National Guard Public Affairs 720-847-9435, 140wg.pa.org@us.af.mil
BUCKLEY SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. — The Colorado Air National Guard will celebrate the 250th Independence Day with a series of high-speed flyovers across Colorado, bringing a patriotic display to local community celebrations on July 4, 2026.
F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft from the 140th Wing will take to the skies to salute America’s freedom and the historic birth of our nation. These aerial demonstrations offer a powerful tribute to our country's heritage while showcasing the ongoing connection between Colorado’s Citizen-Airmen and the communities they serve.
"Our Independence Day flyovers are a spectacular opportunity to celebrate the enduring spirit, unity, and liberty of our nation," said U.S. Air Force Col. Benjamin “Scrappy” Couchman, 140th Wing commander. "It is a deeply personal privilege for our pilots to connect with our neighbors across Colorado. As we look up together, we honor the freedom we enjoy today and recognize the shared dedication required to protect it."
The 140th Wing's F-16 Fighting Falcons are scheduled to fly over the following community events. Please note that all times are approximate and subject to change based on weather conditions and operational readiness:
The jets will launch from Buckley Space Force Base, Aurora, Colorado, around 10:30 a.m. and fly until approximately 12:00 p.m.
The Wing will perform flyovers above:
Castle Rock: 10:47
Columbine Valley: 10:52
Westminster: 10:55
Firestone: 10:58
Loveland: 11:01
Grand Lake: 11:10
Granby: 11:14
Vail: 11:20
Crested Butte: 11:27
Ouray: 11:36*
Silverton: 11:42
Lake City: 11:45
The aircraft may also be seen between these locations as they transition between Independence Day celebrations.
Event coordinators from locations receiving flyovers requested support from the U.S. Air Force’s Aerial Events Office in Washington, D.C.
Flyover times are coordinated with event staff. The sorties are fully integrated into regular, pre-scheduled training operations which allows pilots to practice critical time-on-target precision and tactical maneuvering at no additional cost to taxpayers.
Based at Buckley Space Force Base, the 140th Wing operates and maintains advanced F-16C+ Fighting Falcon aircraft under Air Combat Command. The wing stands vigilant 24/7, maintaining an alert posture to defend the nation's skies against any airborne threats.
For more than 165 years, the Colorado National Guard has answered the call to protect our nation abroad and serve as the first military line of defense at home during state emergencies. The 5,500 Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen of the CONG remain Always Ready, Always There.
*Due to ongoing wildland fires a temporary flight restriction in Ouray has been administered by the Federal Aviation Administration which could impact flyover support scheduled for that area.