Former Thunderbird jet now on display at Nellis AFB Published Nov. 10, 2011 U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds," recently added a new member to its red, white and blue fleet of F-16s: Tail No. 87-0323 is now a life-size, static-display monument for visitors to behold, majestically standing outside the Thunderbirds museum. Visitors who come to the Thunderbirds museum will now be able to see an F-16C that flew with the squadron from 1992 through 2008. In 1991, the Thunderbirds transitioned from the F-16A to the F-16C for the 1992 season. "323" was primarily flown throughout the F-16C's first show season by the team's commander/leader Lt. Col. Dan Darnell. Dedicated Crew Chief Tech. Sgt. Mark Payne and Assistant Staff Sgt. Dale Posey proudly maintained "323" during the 1992 season as the team performed 75 aerial demonstrations, including a 17-day tour of Central and South America. The static display carries the names of these three Airmen, just as it did in 1992. According to Tech. Sgt. DeCarlos Harris, Thunderbirds noncommissioned officer in charge of Phase, the idea for the static came from Thunderbirds team members as well as maintenance specialists from Hill AFB, Utah. Due to the team's high operations tempo and long travel season, the project took approximately 18 months to complete. Harris said the project required a three-step process that involved turning more than $5 million dollars in serviceable parts back to the Air Force, 360 man-hours of painting and various details, as well as mounting and displaying the aircraft. "I'm extremely proud of the teamwork and dedication involved with this project," said Lt. Col. Case Cunningham, Thunderbirds commander and leader. "This static display is a true testament to what this team is all about. We proudly represent America's Airmen, and this immaculately restored aircraft will be a testimony to the pride, precision, and professionalism of all who serve in our Air Force." "There were a lot of challenges throughout this process," said Staff Sgt. Jazz Sutto, Thunderbirds aircraft metals technician, who was responsible for the actual mounting of the aircraft outside the Thunderibirds hangar. "I'm extremely proud the static is now on display for others to see." Throughout the Thunderbirds travel season, the majority of the team's aircraft spend more than 200 days on the road, and museum visitors are often unable to get a glimpse of the aircraft. The static display now provides an opportunity for people to get an up close look at a Thunderbirds fighter jet, 365 days a year at the hangar, said Harris. "Now that the static is complete, I hope it will leave a lasting impression on all who see it, and people can walk away knowing a lot of care and time was put into the project," Sutto said.
