Thunderbirds Solo Pilot: Steve Dwelle (1971 - 1972)

Produced by Ryan Nothhaft
email: [e-mail]
Website: www.blueangelphantoms.com
Twitter: @blueangelf4
Instagram: @blueangelphantoms
Steve Dwelle is a retired Air Force Colonel who served as the Thunderbird's only solo pilot from 1971 to 1972 while the team flew F4 Phantoms.
Prior to joining the Thunderbirds, Steve flew 189 combat missions in Vietnam while flying the F-100 Super Sabre. He originally applied to the Navy but was rejected due to high blood pressure. Not wanting to join the Army through the Draft, Steve applied to the Air Force and was accepted in 1963. After competing his training, he served a 3 year tour in Europe before being called to Vietnam in 1968 where he was stationed at Tuy Hoa Air Force Base.
At the conclusion of his time on the Thunderbirds, Steve served two years in the US Senate as a liaison officer and several years as commanding officer of a fighter squadron in the Air Forces TOP GUN program called Red Flag.
Upon retiring in 1984 as a Colonel, he began an active role in Flyers Energy, LLC where he serves as Co-Founder and Partner. Flyers Energy, LLC provides fueling and information management solutions to commercial, industrial, and government fleets.
Special thanks to Steve Dwelle who graciously accepted my invitation to interview him for this channel and share his amazing story.
Also special thanks to Russel Gann for sharing his father's (Harry Gann) photos of the 1971 Nellis Air Show, where the Thunderbirds hosted the Blue Angels for an end of year show. Harry was an honorary Blue Angel who spent over 25 years capturing unique perspectives of the team and preserving great memories for future generations.
1971 Air Force Thunderbirds Team:
#1 Lt. Col. Thomas Swalm
#2 Maj. Robert Jackson
#3 Maj. Joseph Howard
#4 Thomas Gibbs
#5 Steve Dwelle
Narrator: Jerry Bolt
1972 Air Force Thunderbirds Team
#1 Lt. Col. Thomas Swalm
#2 Maj. Nels Running
#3 Maj. Joseph Howard (Lost to an accident on June 4, 1972)
#4 Capt. Jerry Bolt (Lost to an accident on December 21, 1972)
#5 Steve Dwelle
Narrator: Maj. Michael Blaisdell

[@DavidEVogel]

During the past 50 years, I have seen the Thunderbirds several times. The awesome F4 still stays with me. The aircraft sounds like a freight train.

[@mayranck3817]

Steve thank you for your service. 💗

[@tacocin]

As a young Airman, I watched you put on a show at Moody AFB in 1972. I wound up a 26 year USAF career with 14 years as a Phantom Phixer at Korat, Bergstrom, Clark, and Homestead. Loved every minute of it and would do it again.

[@Eggo645]

We were at Clark 73-78. Dad flew C-130s. I was actually a youngster and went to Wagner High School back then. Fond memories. Thanks for your service.

[@tacocin]

374th! I moved from CCK to Clark with the wing in 73...spent a LOT of time flying around in a Herk ... "Klong Hopper Airlines" ... Thailand, Okinawa, Singapore, Australia, Taiwan, Japan, etc ... my kids went to Wagner too! Small world!

[@kenwielk1799]

tacocin I also was at moody as a young firefighter

[@kwmproperty7379]

Thanks for your service sir!

[@carlpboyer]

The very first air show I ever attended was June 10th, 1972, at Hanscom Air Force Base in Massachusetts. I was 10 years old. The Thunderbirds performed despite having just lost Maj Howard the week before. Steve Dwelle did double duty that day flying solo AND filling in for a few of the diamond passes as the fourth ship. It was an amazing show and of all the Thunderbird performances I have seen over the years, Steve's solo performance that day was the most impressive. For someone who had not flown the F-4 prior to joining the Thunderbirds, he had certainly learned how to get the most out his aircraft. So, I tip my cap to Steve and the rest of the 1972 team (still have the show flyer with team member signatures) - you all contributed to my own drive to going on to become an Air Force pilot. Thank you.

[@BlueAngelPhantoms]

Amazing, I didn't realize he filled in for the diamond or that they flew in the weeks that followed. I don't think that would happen these days....

[@carlpboyer]

Right on both counts. For timing, he did not participate in all of the formation passes, only a few. Most impressively, one that he did participate in was the Diamond Roll Back to Arrowhead. If you never saw that, the diamond makes a flat pass in front of the crowd and just as they approach show center, the wingmen pull up slightly, execute simultaneous aileron rolls while slightly slowing their aircraft and dropping back behind and below the slot to form the arrowhead. It used to be one of my favorite maneuvers to watch. But very true, there is now way that today the would perform so soon after an accident, never mind the loss of team member. I think back then, the Blues were pretty quick to return to flying after accidents as well. Times were very different then.

[@brandspro]

My mother was dating Tim Rohls at the time and so we got the VIP treatment at the shows. As a 7 year old son of a Phantom pilot (my father was KIA in Vietnam) I idolized these guys. Before I even knew what cool was I knew these guys were special. Still have Tim’s Thunderbird pen that he gave me at MacDill when the show was rained out.

[@artvandelay0073]

Saw the Birds and the Blues flying their F-4 Phantoms each year from 1969-1974 at the Reading Air Show in Reading, PA while growing up. The two services would alternate years and take turns appearing during that time period. The Phantoms are still my favorite. Awesome power and noise! Also enjoyed meeting and speaking with the pilots along the flight line after each performance while collecting their autographs. Thanks for posting! 😄👍🇺🇸

[@Erikr-ex9dj]

Usually they would fly at willow grove when not at reading. Great place to see a show !

[@davidsommersvideo]

Great interview. I was the team photographer (71-73) and had the privilege to fly back seat with Steve many times. He could sure wring everything out of the plane. I never quite got used to doing a 360 roll right after the gear was tucked on takeoff. I was video taping the show when we lost Joe Howard and was scheduled to fly with Jerry Bolt the day he crashed. It was a great experience being a member of the team. Steve, Joe, Jerry as well as all of the pilots were like big brothers for us young airmen.

[@stevedwelle8820]

Dave, Thanks for your service, especially your photograph of the 7 ship takeoff at Holloman AFB in 1971, one that you will NEVER forget.

[@allgood6760]

Thanks for this... salute and respect from down under 👍🇳🇿✈️

[@HGR693]

Thank you for your story. I had watched the Thunderbirds that saturday, and was sorry to hear of the loss of Maj. Joe Howard on Sunday. I believe that he was just 32yrs old, and had flown some 580 combat missions in Southeast Asia. His first child was born just four days earlier. Thank you for your service. The F4 was one heck of a flying machine!!!

[@jimwatson842]

I saw Mr. Dwelle at Seymour Johnson NC on 15 April 1972. He flew with Col. Swalm, Joe Howard, Nels Running and Jerry Bolt that day. I went to work in POL that evening. I wanted to fuel their aircraft, but did not get to do so. I was probably up on Easy and Fox rows catching B-52s and KC-135s. I loved the old Phantom. I used to call it “half a B-58”. It would kill MiGs, drop iron bombs, do reconnaissance or anything else that was required. It was a heck of an airplane. I enjoyed my time as a fuel specialist and I enjoyed you and the team that day, sir. One of my fondest memories.

[@craigpennington1251]

Thank you for your service for our country. I too was in the Navy. We had F-4Bs in our squadron. One hell of a good ship. And they're just plain mean and nasty looking fighters plus they take a beating and keep on flying. I've seen them come back to the ship with parts missing, parts hanging on, and looking like Swiss cheese with so many holes in them.

[@BlueAngelPhantoms]

Hi Craig, thanks for watching the video and more importantly, thank you for your service in the Navy!

[@mikepoore1705]

Steve, great video! Thanks much! I saw you at Grissom AFB in 1971, the year of my commissioning at Notre Dame. I graduated UPT and flew RF-4’s. You did your mission! You motivated me to be a USAF pilot. Thanks for energy!

[@lindsaysaltsgiver8172]

I highly value the time I spent on the team with you Captain Dwelle. Great to see you again. Gary Saltsgiver

[@jackward3799]

I had the unique honor to meet Mr. Dwelle as well as other Thunderbirds when my brother in law Tom Wilson was part of the maintenance team 70-71.

[@jamesweldon9726]

jack ward - I saw him fly when I was 5 or 6. He and the others signed my poster.

[@wildmustangart1577]

I must have seen you as a child. Dad was a wso with the 335th at Seymour Johnson AFB in '71. I remember the show with F4s. Great memories. Thank you Sir.

[@irenelaughlin5475]

Thank you for your service !

[@steelerpat33]

Thank you for your service sir and thank you for the years of service God Bless

[@bbbmmm1713]

IE BADBOY do you really think God likes war?

[@KurtisCardwell]

Travis AFB, many years, YOU inspired me! Thank you

[@mickeywianecki9105]

Saw you fly at Cannon AFB as a Pup. My Father was the Fuel Cell Shop Chief at TuyHoa 67-68. Thanks for sharing this Vid, The T Birds always bring Tears to my Eyes

[@tysoncott7402]

very good, thanks for sharing!

[@BlueAngelPhantoms]

Thanks, Tyson. Really appreciate the support. A labor of love for sure.

[@MrLuvOldies]

Thank you for your service,Sir.

[@Sreybk]

Nice interview. Thank you for your service. The cat looks like our old tuxedo Stan.

[@paullevine1813]

I was at Transpo for two of the three days it was held at Dulles Airport & saw both the Thunderbird & one of the F1 air race planes go down not to mention on the first day one of the Gold Knight parachute guys was also killed. For such a fantastic show there was tragedy for the brave airmen that gave all for the love of what they did. I was only 16 back then. To them all i salute you for your skills & bravery. I still love those awesome F4s.

[@patrickmorley9634]

Good day Paul, I was in third grade and 8 years old and was at Transpo 72 on Friday 6/01/72 and saw The Blue Angels for the first of probably about the 30 or so times I’ve seen them. No accidents that day but I was aware of the Thunderbird pilot that lost his life on June 4. Those F4 Phantoms were just something spectacular to watch and screaming loud as well. That day is etched in my mind forever.

[@williamdavison6072]

Thank you for your service to this great nation sir!

[@paulpeck6076]

Best looking aircraft the Thunderbirds ever had.

[@bjornmartin6480]

Pro tip: you can watch series at Flixzone. I've been using them for watching a lot of movies during the lockdown.

[@heathluca5236]

@Bjorn Martin Yup, I've been watching on Flixzone} for months myself :)

[@grahambodie7429]

@Bjorn Martin Yup, been using flixzone} for years myself =)

[@markg7963]

T38 was the best looking. Just not the right airplane. My opinion.

[@dd.greenefilms2598]

Thank you for your service Sir.

[@jeffpalmer5502]

I watched at Paine field, Everett, F-4 was an impressive demonstrater, nothing louder ! ;)

[@hmiranda71]

im taking out my hat sir my most sincere respect for you

[@BlueAngelPhantoms]

Thanks for your comment, Steve Dwelle is an amazing individual!

[@butchp568]

Thanks for the video. I saw the Thunderbirds many times growing up. Capt. Jerry Bolt was the pilot I was always floated around after shows. Sadly, he was killed. However, as I always wanted to become a fighter pilot. He was the pilot that inspired me the most. I eventually went on to be commissioned as an officer in the USMC and drove F-4 Phantoms and FA-18 Hornets.

[@orangelion03]

March AFB 1972. Thank you Mr Dwelle, for your service and the thrills!! Lifelong Phantom Phreak.

[@HappyFlapps]

An amazing American. To live as a blessing to your country, world and fellow man is a gift from God. Much respect and admiration for your service sir.

[@tonyepierce]

I was stationed at Nellis Air Force Base 73/74. Worked at times on the Thunderbirds F4. Got to see the tricks and they were amazing.

[@mackbolin3861]

Thank you for your service Sir, I saw you in 71' at Bergstrom Airforce Base and still have your pictures and Cards. God bless. Capt. Pheno and Cmndr. Zeno, from the FOGA-Federation of Grey Aliens 👽✌.

[@pncombies]

I saw Steve, Joe Howard and Jerry Bolt perform at Holloman AFB in the spring of '72. My father, Col Philip Combies, was the DO of the 49th TFW. He personally introduced me to Capt. Bolt as he had met him the previous night at the Thunderbirds reception, and he wanted him to make an impression on his 13-year-old son.He couldn't have been nicer to me and I will never forget him. Later that year during Christmas break I was up late watching TV. After the programing ended there would just be a Reuters News banner running across the bottom of the screen. It was then that I read that Captain Jerry Bolt had been killed checking out an engine with his crew chief on the Nellis range.

[@richardlahan7068]

I remember the airshow at Charleston AFB. I still have a black & white photo of the F4 Thunderbirds.

[@heeder777]

As a kid in the 60’s I watched the Thunderbirds twice if I recall in the F-100 at McGuire AFB. I regret never seeing them in the F-4. I was so into airplanes from 5 years old. I took a spill at 5 sledding and needed stitches in my chin, I vividly recall my dad saying if you’re a brave boy we’ll go by the hobby shop and get a new model. I was 5 and remember that day 53 years later. At 18 I joined the USAF and finally had a chance to work on the planes I admired as a kid. My first duty station was Nellis AFB. At the time the birds flew the T-38. I was devastated the day all four of the diamond followed each other into the ground. My wing had just moved into the F-16A/B models from the F-4D and I was one of the first to get the training on the F-16. The Thunderbirds had just been gifted with the F-16 and started to rebuild the team. One night we got a call that they needed help about a wing attachment bushing came out with the pylon. They were new to the airplane, heck we were all new but we had experienced this before since we carried pylons and stores all the time. So I was asked to see if I could help them out. Long story going on long, I helped them get the bushing off the pylon, helped them reinstall and torque it. It was an absolute honor to help that day. On a side note, I never applied to the team, I never had a desire (well I did but I’m a mechanic and too fat😉 and not pretty) these guys had me wrap every tool, anything that could touch paint with a piece of cloth. They treat the planes with serious TLC. So from a kid in the 60’s watching the Thunderbirds to a Ssgt assigned to a combat wing down the ramp, I actually turned a wrench on a Thunderbird. I’ve never been prouder except the day the air war kicked off in Desert Storm.

[@canhbuituong9439]

I was with the class 71-07 UPT at Craig AFB in Alabama. On our graduation day, the Thunderbirds had a Fly By . That was awesome!

[@jamesweldon9726]

I have seen him fly, when I was 6, at Paine Field, Everett WA.

[@jamescallaghan4546]

It was 1972, my 10th birthday. Mcguires Air Force Base, NJ. Saw my first show, wow!! Change my life. I’m a private pilot now, for a hobby . I also had the flyers saved in a special box, Lost track of it over the years. Still remember the experience to this day.

[@mshappyapple8663]

Living in Vegas, not far from the base, we would see them practice from time to time. Boy,…..are they ever deafening!! All that power but they were really something to watch!

[@trumanstanley8040]

You all flew several times at England Air force Base always an awesome show!

[@michaelluca6004]

Thank you so much Mr Dwelle for your service to our country. During these trying days in this country, we really need more American heroes like you who Loves the United States and is proud to be an American. It is sad the division that has poisoned this country. I saw you fly twice with the Thunderbirds at Patrick AFB in Florida. I think Lt Col Joe Moore just left the team and Lt Col Tom Swalm was Boss. Capt. Joe Howard, Right Wing, you sir flew solo, my favorite F-4 to watch sir, Maj Bob Jackson, Left Wing, Capt Tom Gibbs, Slot, Capt Jerry Bolt was Narrator at the time. I wrote a poem for the Thunderbirds called, "I a Thinderbird Pilot". Captain Dennis Weddle wrote me back and said they put my poem in the Thunderbirds archives. I was so excited. Again, thank you Sir and GOD bless you.

[@ricwilson6612]

My dad flew F-100's with Steve out of Weathersfield. He buried me up to my armpits at the beach in Italy with a couple of cars to play with so they didn't lose me. :-) I still have the personalized autographed photo of the '71 team when they came to Mtn. Home where my dad was flying F-111's.

[@Bbendfender]

I saw you fly with the Thunderbirds back in early 1971.

[@B1900pilot]

As a young AF dependent I watched the Thunderbirds at Otis AFB in the Phantom...AMAZING!

[@galipcelik9293]

Phantom phorever phantastic

[@wanyelewis9667]

Thank you for your service, sir! Cool cat, BTW.

[@mrandrossguy9871]

Must’ve been either Awesome or bland to Experience the Blues&Birds with the Same Jets ? Wish I would have experienced it Mad respect non the less

[@jetstarjon1]

I was there at Transpo '72, standing next to the fence, when the plane crashed... tough sight for a 13 yr. old.

[@erictaylor5462]

When I was working over the winter in Death Valley I used to drive out to Indian Springs to watch them practice. You could tell who the new guy was because he was well out side the formation, but holding a relative position. As the weeks past that one plane would be closer and closer until he was tucked in with the rest of the team, bling as if each airplane was part of a single rigid package. It's an amazing sight, even if it is just practice. They don't start doing the entire show as it is presented to the public, rather they practice one thing over and over, and master that before adding the next part. There were a bunch of people out there. One guy had been watching the practice for years. In fact, he witnessed the F-100 collision.

[@bobmarlowe3390]

I saw the Thunderbirds at Transpo 72. My brother-in-law went through flight training with Steve Dwelle.

[@graciej1969]

My childhood❤his amazing gracie

[@2view428]

I remember the 5 jet team. slot jet had a black tail may have see n in flight 72 or 73 at Lockbourne AFB when in the boy scouts. an early hero in life thanks for be in the service.

[@michaelrice6729]

2view what is your name. Were u in troop 107 at the base.

[@dfrost6573]

I would have seen him when my Dad was stationed at Nellis then. Dad was an F-4 pilot. His favorite airplane. In my little kid mind I felt like they were flying just for me! 😄🇺🇸

[@philmontejano5971]

Saw the Thunderbirds in 73 when they has the F 4 in Fresno, California

[@speedhornetsdiamonds8920]

Dear. Mr. Steve. Dwelle, I. Say. Bravo 👏 to. You. For. Your. Dedicated. Bravery. Your. Career. Is. Remarkable, as. Are. Those who. Flew. Before, present, and. Future. THUNDERBIRD aviators. Congratulations 🎊 👏. You. Have. An. Outstanding. Military 🪖 legacy. Thank. You, and your. Families 👪

[@jimporter7602]

Lucky to see F-4 Thunderbirds while stationed at Homestead AFB late 69 worked F-4E engine shop

[@BlueAngelPhantoms]

Thank you for your service!

[@donbrown4400]

Isaw the T-Birds fly the F-4 at Godfellow AFB in 1973. Great aircraft and show.

[@deansynan7424]

Salute ~

[@garywidman7574]

I was stationed at Grissom weather det. when your crew had to stop for fuel because the weather was too poor to refuel aerially. I got to meet and chat with you and the whole team for nearly an hour. It was the next day that Joe Howard died in that accident....

[@thetreblerebel]

The F4 seems like it wouldn't be nimble enough for aerobatics. Shes quite large..

[@taylorwarren7769]

The f4e was a much improved version of previous f4s it was lighter,newer and stronger engines,and stronger lighter airframe,it also had leading edge slats which helps for maneuverability

[@poppysworkbench6508]

Saw him in 1971 at Goodfellow AFB San Angelo TX

[@tomsbeststuff2134]

I was there that day at Dulles when the Thunderbird crashed not long after I graduated from high school a couple of months before.. I was there with a former Navy fighter pilot who was a heck of a guy but had been injured himself in an accident. We saw the aircraft depart the formation as it climbed out. The pilot waited until he was belly to earth to eject. We saw the canopy leave but didnt.see him until his parachute open. A second or.two later the aircraft impacted the ground - we.saw.The tremendous fireball engulf the canopy but when it passed the parachute was no longer there. The formation flew over the crash site at least once then landed. I looked over at my friend - he was white as a ghost, reliving his own brush with death. It was sad day forever etched in my memory.

[@Erikr-ex9dj]

Proff positive even a thunderbird's first choice is the NAVY. In all seriousness sir thank you for your service. Ive seen you fly at Willow Grove NAS Pennsylvania.

[@johnnyfred2125]

When the Thunderbirds and Blue Angels flew the F-4 in Chicago it was crazy. Back then they flew much closer to several buildings. And the F-4 is huge compared to what they fly now.

[@patriciaboerst1014]

Since I knew this Visalian I found this more than interesting First graduating Class of Redwood H. S.1957 Patsy Williams

[@BlueAngelPhantoms]

Thanks for your kind words, Patricia.

[@56hueycobra]

Thank You Steve Dwelle On This Video About the U.S.A.F. Thunderbirds & Thank You For Your Service to Our Country in the U.S.A.F. Sir & GOD Bless You Brother Steve & Your Family.................JESUS is LORD

[@kekelaward]

Most civilians don't realize how dangerous even an easy day is for the military. Or even think about how many friends are lost throughout a career, even if you never set foot in a combat zone.

[@stevebrewer1720]

Great story Sir and thanks for serving our great country,go USAF

[@BlueAngelPhantoms]

Steve and his team are true american heros. Thanks to everyone that serves our great country.

[@bluecollarphil7064]

Never clicked on a video so fast :)

[@BlueAngelPhantoms]

Appreciate that! Hope you enjoyed. Cheers!

[@RiDankulous]

The man lived a great dream of many and I'm glad he was happy and still have good memories. I read about the F-4 since I was reading about air-to-air missiles, and one of them connects to the F-4. This was in relation to German air-to-air missiles being sent to Ukraine. It is sad there were so many deaths related to the air shows.

[@KonaBlastty]

I would love to have some audio of Jerry's narration.

[@viperdriver82]

Once a Thunderbird always a Thunderbird

[@matthewbelt4833]

It's interesting

[@LC-jy8mj]

I was at Dulles airport that June in 1972 and witnessed the crash

[@matthewbelt4833]

Oh my brother told me to search up g8re 4t lt and I did and this popped up

[@barryklinedinst6233]

The F4 looks mean in Thunderbird colors

[@mjssblazer]

Unfortunately, former Thunderbird-1 #66-0302 was dismantled at the MacDill air park a couple years ago while still on it's pedestal. Guess she was too far gone for refurbishment. No other aircraft was put in it's place.

[@HabitualButtonPusher]

This would have been perfect if the music wasn't so loud.

[@Yosemite-George-61]

wow ! The black cat shows up just when he's describing the death of his friend

[@dankuettel5063]

Nice Rolex Datejust Mr. Dwelle.

[@graysinclair6572]

dan kuettel I’m a watch freak myself. Good eye!

[@stevedwelle8820]

Thanks, Dan. It is a 1966 model purchased new at the BX at Aviano, Italy for around $165. It is still my daily wearer and I cherish it, having survived 198 combat missions in Viet Nam and 235 official Thunderbird airshows.

[@jaydesrochers3276]

Steve Dwelle hello,sir and thank you for,your service...I grew up around westover AFB in Chicopee, Ma. Did you fly there when you were on the team..I wasn’t born till ‘72 so I obviously wasn’t there!

[@helengibbs7177]

💚🌠💚

[@ibthumper2]

I had the pleasure to work these EX Thunderbird F-4's. When done with their Demo duties ended up at Edwards AFB. Chase and fleet test support. However, they were really stripped of weapons systems. some ended up in the bone yard likely chopped up. SAD!

[@BlueAngelPhantoms]

The Thunderbirds used 11 Phantoms from 1969 to 1973. They lost 2 to crashes, and the rest have either been restored and put on display or are in storage. Here is a link to a Vlog that I filmed sharing behind the scenes of my interview and a visit to the Castle Aviation Museum to visit Mr. Dwelle's Phantom: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZprUpaShpN13iq8

[@vector6977]

They were stripped to the bare minimum.

[@mrandrossguy9871]

Well well BlueAngels are converting to SuperDuper Hornets 😝, Wonder what the ThunderBirds will Convert to ?!

[@cnfo3-.]

На фото в молодости похож на Юрия Гагарина 💖

[@miniwelsh5542]

Was that Visalia in Cali?

[@BlueAngelPhantoms]

You got it! I have some behind the scenes of the interview here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZprUpaShpN13iq8

[@stevedwelle8820]

Yes, and I'm still there with all kids and gkids...and loving it! sbd

[@basimpsn]

He flew for only one yr?

[@BlueAngelPhantoms]

He was on both the 1971 and 1972 teams.

[@basimpsn]

Blue Angel Phantoms Ok thanks for the explanation

[@clearingbaffles]

Air Force brat then Navy submarines and remember there are more airplanes in the ocean that submarines in the sky Thanx guys and gals from the left coast near the Krapitol of California There can be upto 4 shows within 80 miles of me thanx

[@carolynghavam6079]

You are also Elite Just 1's, Complete gifts, even command of The Angels, Virtues, need someone spreading these values around and correcting those who are out of synch. Just will a virtue where and when, with any flying coordinates, broad bands. You are the Elite of the Elite. Don't get swelled heads. Keep your virtues. Remain humble. With great power comes tremendous responsibility. Be generous. The PHANTOMS are the only Elite of the Elite so far. You're the First. Thanks guys. Go with God always. The legacy goes to your firstborn male child. Sorry, females have to realize and accept some jobs are for males only unless God. So Be It. M.E. The 🦋🦅👑

[@johanboes1]

Why the music?

[@michaelrazmek7381]

Col. Howard, I am sorry but after your aircraft exploded I was knock off my feet and disoriented on the ground. I saw you eject from the plane and was center field. Forgive me for not helping you. For years I thought you intentionally steered your parachute back to the plane but now realize it was the heat. The same heat that prevented me from helping you. I trust you are with God and may God and your family forgive me for not rescuing you.

[@TakeDeadAim]

Still don't know why they TKO'd you so abruptly...makes no sense.

[@williamloh9018]

Can't have all 3 get killed...not a good look.

[@bbbmmm1713]

The TBirds cost $35,000,000 a year. Whatta waist of money.

[@stevedwelle8820]

I have no idea where the $35MM came from, but in 1972, we calculated that the cost was a nickle per viewer!