Astronaut Buzz Aldrin, 87, becomes oldest person to fly with U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds

Astronaut Buzz Aldrin, 87, flew with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds at a Florida airshow Sunday morning. (Contributed photo/U.S. Air Force)

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Astronaut Buzz Aldrin, the second human to walk on the moon, today became the oldest person to ever fly with the U.S. Thunderbirds.

Aldrin, 87, joined the U.S. Air Force's aerial demonstration team at its Melbourne, Florida Air and Space Show Sunday morning as they flew in the diamond formation over the Kennedy Space Center. Aldrin is a retired U.S. Air Force colonel.

"Good to get back in the cockpit," Aldrin tweeted Sunday. "I could get used to this."

In its statement, the Air Force said it was an honor to have Aldrin join the team.

"He is a true American hero and pioneer. We are proud of his accomplishments and the legacy he represents every day," the Air Force said.

In 1969, Aldrin piloted the Apollo 11 and followed Neil Armstrong onto the moon's surface. Aldrin's flight comes as the Air Force celebrated its 70th year.

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