Astro Bug

TULSA, Okla. - AstroBug -- The Tulsa Air and Space Museum is preparing to welcome an extraordinary piece of American aviation history on Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11, 2026, as a former U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds F-16 Fighting Falcon is expected to arrive at its new home. All veterans, military families, aviation enthusiasts, donors, and community supporters are invited to a special 10 a.m. press conference celebrating this historic occasion.

The aircraft, F-16C serial number 86-0281, once flew with the world-renowned U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds aerial demonstration team. Its arrival marks another milestone in the museum's mission of honoring military service, preserving aviation history, and inspiring future generations.

The F-16 is expected to arrive early Wednesday morning from Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas. A dedicated team of museum volunteers, alongside longtime museum supporter Taylor Crane & Rigging, will carefully unload the aircraft and begin reattaching its wings and tail. Once reassembled, the Thunderbird will be positioned in a temporary static display near the museum's main entrance.

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The public is invited to watch. Visitors must remain within designated safe viewing areas to protect spectators, volunteers, and equipment operators.

The Thunderbird will serve as a lasting tribute to the men and women of Tulsa's 138th Fighter Wing, recognizing their dedication to operating and maintaining F-16 fighter aircraft. The display will also honor Oklahoma astronaut William R. "Bill" Pogue, who served as a Thunderbird pilot from 1955 to 1957 before launching aboard a Saturn IB rocket in 1973 for NASA's historic Skylab 4 mission.

Through Operation Thunderbird, the museum is raising funds to construct a dramatic, custom-designed arched pedestal that will permanently elevate the aircraft with its landing gear retracted. This unique display will showcase the iconic dark blue Thunderbird painted across the aircraft's underside, creating a striking new landmark at the museum's entrance.

"This aircraft represents so much more than a fighter jet," said Tonya Blansett, Executive Director of the Tulsa Air and Space Museum. "It honors our veterans, celebrates the incredible legacy of the 138th Fighter Wing, and connects our community to the remarkable achievements of astronaut Bill Pogue. What better day than Veterans Day to welcome this beautiful aircraft home?"

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Help complete the mission! Donate today at www.tulsamuseum.org through the Operation Thunderbird campaign.

The Veterans Day press conference begins at 10 a.m. at the Tulsa Air and Space Museum, 3624 N. 74th East Ave., Tulsa, OK 74115. All veterans and community members are welcome. Arrival and reassembly activities are subject to weather and operational conditions.