Hobby Master Archive

Activated on May 25, 1953 as the 3600th Air Demonstration Team it wasn’t until February 13, 1967 that they officially became the “Thunderbirds”. In May 1967 the team toured the UK and also made an appearance at the Paris Airshow. For the 1966-68 seasons aircraft tail numbers were left off and a large single digit; representing the aircraft position in the team was painted on the rear of the fuselage. On October 21, 1967 the “Thunderbirds” lost one F-100 when it disintegrated during a show at Laughlin, Texas. The pilot, Captain Merrill Anthony McPeak ejected safely. In 1967 the “Thunderbirds” pilots were - Ldr. Neil Eddins, Chris Patterakis, Stan Musser, Jack Dickey, Bob Beckel, M. Tony McPeak, Bob Haney, Mike Miller.