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.
- 60th Anniversary Polos
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- Commemorative Coins
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- Reunion sponsorship opportunities available
A number of sponsorship opportunities are available this year, running the gambit from as little as $100 up to $15,000....More
- 60th anniversary reunion planning underway
With less than six months to go, planning is in full swing for the Thunderbirds Alumni Association 60th Anniversary Reunion. A number of activities are planned as Thunderbirds alumni gather at the Sou...More
- From the Chairman
Fellow Alumni I wanted to take this opportunity to briefly touch base with you on the recent seques- tration decision and the continuing resolution, or the CR as many call it. The TBAA has been rec...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 c...More
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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- Tyndall Pilot Selected as Lead Commander for Air Force Thunderbirds
"Everybody thinks of the Thunderbirds and they think of the air show," said F-15 pilot Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Bradley being a part of the Thunderbirds is much more than just another two years of f...More
- Thunderbirds announce 2014 officer selections
NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. (AFNS) -- The commander of Air Combat Command, Gen. Mike Hostage III, has officially selected the officers who will be joining the United States Air Force Thunderbirds for ...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
- March 17- From the Chairman
I wanted to take this opportunity to briefly touch base with you on the recent sequestration decision and the continuing resolution, or the CR as many call it. The TBAA has been receiving many inquire...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
- Into the wild blue yonder
The 2012 Air Force Year in Photos gives a behind the scenes look at the lives of U.S. airmen serving at home and abroad. Here is a selection of their best photographs...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
- Thunderbirds and Miss America 2013
In case you missed it, below is a clip from the Miss America competition featuring the Thunderbirds. Enjoy.......More
- Veteran Defense Panel Staffer Dies at 70
Douglas C. Roach, the longtime staff director for the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces, died Jan. 11. He was 70....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
- New dues year started Jan. 1 for annual paying members
As a reminder to those who pay annual dues, the new year started Jan. 1. Payments are due no later than March 31, for an individual to be considered a current member....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
