Beschreibung:

Lot of 2. Oversize images of the US Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, better known as the Thunderbirds, each signed to mat by 5 pilots and 2 administrators dedicated to Colonel Tim Minish who served in the US Air Force from 1981-2006 and is a member of the Air Commando Association Hall of Fame, inducted in 2011. First image shows five F-4 Phantom II jets flying over the Hoover Dam, ca May 1970-1972. Image 13 x 9 in. matted to 20 x 15 in. Signed by Leader Major Tom Swalm (1931-2015), who commanded the Thunderbirds from May 1970 to January 1973. Swalm was promoted several more times during his career, achieving the rank of major general on August 1, 1982, before retiring November 1, 1986. Second image show five T-38 Talons also flying above Hoover Dam, ca 1974-1982. Image 13 x 10 in., matted to 20 x 16 in. The planes are numbered on their vertical stabilizers with decorative "Thunderbirds" paint jobs. The T-38 Talon was put into service by the Thunderbirds in 1974 after the 1973 oil crisis. The T-38 was much more fuel-efficient than the F-4 Phantom, using just a 5th of the amount of fuel. They were in use by the team until a crash caused by a mechanical problem resulted in the deaths of four pilots on January 18, 1982. After a 6-month investigation, the team began using F-16 jets which are still in use today. Condition: Photo with F-4E Phantom II jets has some toning to mat.