Thunderbirds History – How It All Began
In 1947, while the jet age was still in its infancy, military aviation was hurtled into the future with the creation of the U.S. Air Force as a separate service. Just six years later, the Air Force wanted an air demonstration team.
The job of forming the team fell to Major Smokey Catledge, the unit’s first commander/leader. His immediate task was to find six officers and 22 enlisted to form the first team and get them ready for their first demonstration at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. three weeks later.
The Air Force’s official air demonstration team, designated the 3600th USAF Air Demonstration Unit/Flight, was activated on May 25, 1953. The unit adopted the name “Thunderbirds,” influenced in part by the strong Native American culture and folklore from the southwestern United States where Luke Air Force Base is located. Three months later the name “Thunderbirds” was added to the unit designation.
Welcome to the Thunderbirds Alumni Association website.
On it you will learn the history of the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, "Thunderbirds,"and the Thunderbird Alumni Association, as well. See the names of the more than 2,000 people who have worn the Thunderbirds patch. Alumni, Associates, Honorary Thunderbirds and Honorary Crew Chiefs can update their own profile by clicking on the "Member Login" button above.
If you have other questions, please contact Al Eakle, the administrator, below.
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ThunderLinks
- Thunderbirds Get 'Thumbs Up' to Fly After 11-Month Hiatus
The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds received notice this week they will return to the skies after given the "go ahead" to resume flying in air shows next year....More
- Specialty plates for Air Force Thunderbirds at Nevada DMV Aug. 12
CARSON CITY – Specialty license plates for the Air Force Thunderbirds and Nevada Health Centers will be available for purchase at Nevada DMV metro offices on Aug. 12 and rural offices by Aug. 15. The ...More
- When the Thunderbirds flew the Thunderchief
Since 1953, the Thunderbirds aerial demonstration team has been the most, dramatic and visible display of the Air Force s public relations efforts....More
- Thunderbirds, State of Nevada issue specialty license plate to support veterans
The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron has partnered with the State of Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles to create a specialty license plate featuring Thunderbirds aircraft. The ...More
- Through Airmen's Eyes: Thunderbirds egress specialist finds fulfillment service
NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. (AFNS) -- Many Airmen discover their paths early in life. Some join the Air Force after graduating high school, and others wait a few years before making the decision to en...More
- Thunderbirds to resume limited training flights
NELLIS AFB, NV. – Temporary funding for flying hours has been restored, allowing the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron to resume flying again through the end of fiscal year 2013....More
- Obituaries
NOTE: There may be some time between an individual’s death and when we print an obituary. They are printed after the Thunderbirds Alumni Association receives them. Our thoughts and prayers go out to t...More
- History of the Thunderbirds Fitzgerald Trophy
The Fitzgerald Trophy is given annually in honor of Major Robert Fitzgerald, who died in a Thunderbird aircraft accident April 6, 1961....More
- A life in flight for first woman 'Thunderbirds' pilot
Since 1953, the Air Force's air demonstration team, the Thunderbirds, have captivated spectators across the world and showed its audiences what the Air Force's aircraft are capable of. ...More
- Air Force cuts aviation support at public events
As the Air Force braces for potential sequester, leadership has cancelled all aviation support to public events for at least the remainder of the fiscal year and is standing down the Thunderbirds aeri...More
- Restored fighter jet replica to be displayed
It was forgotten but not lost. The 1960s replica of the red, white and blue Thunderchief fighter jet had stood nearly three decades perched on a pedestal near the Nellis Air Force Base main gate. ...More
- Honorary Thunderbird, two alumni nominated for promotion
An Honorary Thunderbird and two Thunderbirds alumni were nominated for promotion today (Jan. 23). ...More
- TBAA funds F-105 restoration
For more than four decades, a model of a Thunderbirds F-105 “Thunderchief” greeted people as they came through the main gate at Nellis. Several years ago, the model came down when the gate was redes...More
- Four alumni tapped for wing leadership positions
Four Thunderbirds alumni were recently named to top wing leadership positions within the Air Force....More
- TBAA Debuts Totally Redesigned Website
On New Year’s Day, the TBAA debuted a redesigned website at www.thunderbirdsalumni.org that offers several new features....More
- Reunion moved ahead one week; new dates Nov. 14-16
Many have stated they wish the Thunderbirds alumni 60th anniversary would get here sooner, and they are getting their wish as the event is being moved forward one week due to a request made by the cur...More
- Obituaries
Retired Master Sgt. Richard Ditomasso Retired Master Sgt. Richard Ditomasso (NCOIC COSO 1984-86), 65, of Las Vegas, passed away Oct. 3....More
- TBAA funds F-105 model restoration project
For more than four decades, a model of a Thunderbirds F-105 “Thunderchief” greeted people as they came through the main gate at Nellis. Several years ago the model came down when the gate was redesign...More
