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Nellis
AFB, Nevada: Just north of Las Vegas- home of the USAF Thunderbirds.
We were very grateful to get invited out for a visit and
inside look.
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All
aircraft on the tarmac ready to fly. The Tbird's "Boss"
HGU-55/P helmet sitting on the canopy rail.
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Thunderbird Tails
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Aircraft support personnel standing by for the General's
review prior to his flight. Note that the 4th aircraft is
a 2 seater.
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The
Thunderbird pilots head out to the aircraft after stopping
briefly to chat with each other.
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crew chiefs
keep their aircraft's records in these bins right by the flight
line. Note #5 is upside down... always. |
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Lt
Col Chandler "Boss" is shown just prior to
rolling out. This was the weekend prior to the first show
of the season, they looked sharp.
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The Boss making the turn on the flight line in front of
2, 3, 4. #4 just happens to have the Maj Gen Goldfein in
the back seat.
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Rolling in the #2 aircraft and flying Left Wing is
Major Rusty Keen in his first season with the Thunderbirds.
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Inside the Thunderbird nest- the hangar is spotless. In
the corner is an unnumbered spare F-16. In the center is
the Tbird patch that is waxed daily by new members.
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Inside one of the buildings is the VIP meeting room. A beautiful
table with Thunderbird markings.
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Our host with the Thunderbirds was SSgt Mauzy (Ret). Many
thanks to him for taking the time to show us around.
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A large team meeting room filled with original artwork from
all eras that the team has flown.
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Inside the Thunderbird's life support shop- All of the gear
is placed on shelves and racks like trophies. Note the fan
w/ decals.
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The gear shown is used by the 2 and only enlisted flying
positions with the team: #7 & #8 aircraft crew chiefs.
These guys fly to airshow locations in the 2 seat aircraft
early to get everything and anything set up for the team
like hotels, transportation, etc.
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In the life support shop they have a fully dressed mannequin.
Note the blue CSU-13 Gsuit and hand painted leather gloves.
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Found in "The Perch," how's this for a beer tapper?!
When an officer rotates out, they leave something behind-
this "Boss" left his helmet and mask and had it
made into the beer tap- complete w/ F-16 grip. The Perch
was filled with great team items from the past.
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What time is it?? Thunderbird time, I guess. The Life support
clock. Note the #5 is upside down.
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A close up of the mannequin in the life support shop. Note:
Red show suit, and helmet.
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Another view of the beer tap in the perch. If the team has
a good day, the line chief turns the light on in the Perch
so they know the beer is on him. |
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