 We're born out of a jet age to represent airmen and to inspire the next generation. More than 65 years later, what this team has become is much more than airshow performers. We are leaders demonstrating the capabilities of America's Air Force to our great nation as well as spreading goodwill to nations abroad, yesterday, today, and tomorrow. The Korean War was still going on and the F-84G was a frontline fighter and some called it the workhorse of the war. The first Thunderbirds team would fly five of these aircraft. Major Dick Catalyge was picked as the Thunderbirds first commander. Crazy as it may sound today, he had only three weeks until their first airshow, so the Thunderbirds were quickly formed, jets were painted, and by June of 1953 they were performing. As the years passed, the aircraft changed. Thunderjet, Thunderstreak, Super Saber, Thunderchief, Talon. All these aircraft represented a different generation of Thunderbirds, different advancements in technology. Technology that in 1983 brought us the jet that revolutionized the fighter aircraft world and today remains a dominant force in the sky. The mighty F-16 fighting Falcon. Thunderbirds have flown the F-16 for more than 30 years now. Minus the red, white, and blue paint scheme, they are the same as the jets flying missions around the world today. It only makes sense that when people think of the Thunderbirds, they more than likely think of our F-16s, while those jets are our most visible assets and project the strength of our Air Force. It is our airmen that make it all possible. The Thunderbirds are comprised of more than 130 airmen. There are 12 officers each known affectionately by their number, with one exception, number one, our commander. We call him boss. He and Thunderbirds 2 through 8 are highly experienced fighter pilots. Thunderbirds 1 through 6 are demonstration pilots. Thunderbird 7 oversees Thunderbird operations and Thunderbird 8 acts as our advanced pilot and narrator during shows. Thunderbirds 9 through 12 are support officers who perform expert medical, administrative, maintenance, and public affairs functions. There are also more than 120 enlisted personnel representing nearly 30 career fields. Enlisted team members are selected from units across the Air Force. Each enlisted member plays a crucial role maintaining this well-oiled machine at home and on the road. Our time in this uniform is short and each one of us is charged by making the most of it, by inspiring and encouraging others by representing our amazing Air Force. So while the faces and jets have changed, the mission remains the same. We are the United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron. We are the Thunderbirds.