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...
Read moreMuseum hours are inaccurate. Tried to call multiple times to find out holiday hours but no answer and no voice mail. Went by a few days later, and there is a sign on the door stating that they are closed until Jan 7th. Would have been nice to know that when I called, even if it was just a voice mail message stating that they are closed. So don't count on regular hours being accurate and calling for more info is useless. The only way to find out if they are open is to go in person and hope...
Read moreMuseum 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...
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