USA Air Force Thunderbirds

Historical plaque inscription: The Thunderbirds transitioned from the F-16A/B to the F-16C/D Block 32 in 1991, as the team readied for the 1992 show season. Until the transition, the Thunderbirds were the last active-duty unit employing the F-16A/B. Then Thunderbirds #1, Lt Col Dan Darnell, primarily flew this aircraft, 87-0323, throughout the F-16C’s first show season. Dedicated Crew Chief TSgt Mark Payne and Assistant SSgt Dale Posey proudly maintained “323” during that season as the team performed 75 aerial demonstrations, including a 17-day tour of Central and South America. More than 6.6 million people watched the squadron’s newest aircraft perform during the 1992 show season. During 2008 and in preparation for the 2009 show season, the Thunderbirds began to take delivery of the F-16C/D Block 52. In replacing the Block 32, the Thunderbirds once again traded some of the Air Force’s oldest F-16’s for newer models, which represented the characteristics of combat F-16 squadrons and the latest advances in aircraft technology.

We went on base to see the museum. We had a good time. It is VERY small and self guided. There is a short video to watch at the beginning. Very informative! We did see a few of the thunderbirds crew (there are many that go into the process of being a thunderbird) walking in and out of the building. There are a few picture opportunities. No tickets were necessary

Museum review: Loved it! Museum is open to the public, we didn't have to arrange for a tour or anything (but you may need help to access Nellis Air Force Base itself). The museum is very small and is integrated into the building the Thunderbirds seem to be operating out of, but it's a pretty cool little museum. It's got some Thunderbird paraphernalia on display from over the decades, such as a visit from Tony Hawk. There's also a tiny "gift shop" corner where they sell some cool stuff (see photos).

Davis Monthan Air Force base was the site of the Thunderbird’s demonstration team. They put on a spectacular show along with DM display of F35s and various vintage aircraft.

Thanks Lt. Colonel G for the tour of the base and having a chance to see some of the air show. The Thunderbirds and all of the pilots were amazing and it was truly a beautiful day.

Cool displays and a short video narrated by Patrick Warburton.

Haven't been to this museum before and I'm not sure if it's open to the public or if it's only open to military families but anyways I saw the Thunderbirds at McChord AFB here in Washington and it was amazing seeing their performance! I really enjoyed it and hope to see them again sometime!

What an awesome experience. Thank you Major Kim for providing the opportunity to watch the amazing men and women of the United States Air Force showcase their skills and display what it means to serve this country. God bless our military and God bless the USA.