When the Thunderbirds Flew the Thunderchief (Cover Story‪)‬

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Since 1953, the Thunderbirds aerial demonstration team has been the most, dramatic and visible display of the Air Force s public relations efforts. In the fifty-six years that the Thunderbirds have been thrilling audiences at air shows around the world they have demonstrated the power and grace of first-line Air Force jet fighters and the skills of its pilots. Despite occasional accidents over the years, the Thunderbirds continued to play a key role in Air Force public relations and recruiting.