HOW IT ALL BEGAN

My name is Gary Younglove and I was the Administrative Officer for the USAF Aerial Demonstration Squadron, better known as the USAF Thunderbirds, during the period 1970 - 1972. Since I was not assigned to any particular aircraft on the team, I was able to ride in all of the aircraft during my tour.

From 1969 until the fuel crisis of 1973, the USAF Thunderbirds flew the McDonnell-Douglas F4E Phantom II Fighter - the backbone of the Vietnam war air effort. The team used eleven aircraft during that period. Two of the aircraft were lost to crashes. The remaining nine aircraft still exist, and seven of them are on display around the United States [the other two are still in mothball storage at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona]. All nine remaining aircraft are jealously guarded by ex-Thunderbirds from the F4E era. In fact, most recently, a few ex-Thunderbird team members assisted a local Girl Scout restore the #4 aircraft to 1973 colors in Arizona. It now rests 'peacefully' in Vail, Arizona, in full regalia because of the enthusiasm and commitment of one person!

I took up bike riding a little over two years ago. I ride a Yamaha V-Star Classic 1100a. In the two years I have been riding I have logged nearly 30,000 miles. Last August I decided to try my legs on a long distance ride and planned a trip through the American Heartland from Texas to Milwaukee and back while stopping to visit long lost friends along the way.

At one point I was in Monett, Missouri, at their City Park at the urging of an ex-Thunderbird like me. His name is Michael Jacobssen and he is the preeminent unofficial historian of the F4E era and he told me I would find Ole #3 there. And I did!!! There was good old 66-0315 (tail number of the #3 F4E on the USAF Thunderbird team) on display. I was overwhelmed. I had been in that aircraft's backseat over 30 years ago. That very aircraft and I were face-to-face again! My number on the team was '9'. There are '9' F4Es still around. My mind started clicking. I could, as #9, visit all '9' aircraft and pay my respects. What an idea!

Okay. So I thought: Let's say I launch my Yamaha V-Star in mid-April and motor to Tampa, Florida, where 66-0302 is on display then to Athens, Tennessee, where 66-0319 is on display then to Monett, Missouri, where 66-0315 is hoisted on a pole and gave me this idea. Then I take a week's break at home near San Antonio, Texas, before heading to points west and visit the remaining 6 aircraft (0286,0289,0291,0294,0329,0377). The western leg would take me to the Tucson area in Arizona, Atwater, California, and Battle Mountain, Nevada, where I would pay my respects to these old and wonderful friends of the past. Along the way there are many exciting roads to ride and many memories to relive.

I realized this may be a major trip...but I have only one life to live (and it is running out as we speak). I will take digital images along the way and post them as time allows.  And I can relive a life that has no equal even though I have experienced many things many people only dream about!

This is my Thunderbirds on Display trip.  I believe you will enjoy it.  I know I will.  As I make headway, I will post items for review.  Click on the JOURNAL item in the HISTORY menu selection list to access what I have been able to upload.  Enjoy.

Gary Younglove
Number 'Nine'