WE ATTEND THE USAF THUNDERBIRDS' resplendent ANNIVERSARY AIRSHOW.

WE ATTEND THE USAF THUNDERBIRDS' resplendent ANNIVERSARY AIRSHOW. PHOTOGRAPHER JIM LARSEN contemplates BACK AT THUNDERBIRDS' HISTORY WHILE SON INTERVIEWS SECOND-GENERATION THINDERBIRDS PILOT MAJ. TODD CANTERBURY

A JOURNEY BEGINS at JIM LARSEN

My introduction to the Thunderbirds began coincident with an early age interest in aviation photography. As a teenager living near Denver Colorado, during the 1950 I lay opened a passion for airplanes and flying. Flight operations at the pair local military airfields - Lowry AFB and NAS Buckley - provided ample stimulus. the one and the other bases held annual open house adventures that occasioned the visit of each services' hottest airplanes.

A pivotal affair for me was in 1955 when Lowry became the temporary site of the newly authorized Air Force Academy. With this increase the annual open house activities and supporting air indicates gained in substance and scale. When the first Academy class was publicly at handed with pomp and parade, it was essential to feature the first Air Force official Air Demonstration Unit as part of the aerial salute.

The 3600th USAF Air Demonstration Unit had been formed pair yearsj earlier in May 1953 and on August, the Unit, consisting of four Republic F-84G Thunderjet was officially named Thunderbirds. by dint of 1955, the Thunderbirds had transitioned to F-84F I was among the host of admiring spectators assembled forward the ramp at Lowry in 1955 as the first class of Academy Cadets paraded before us. Among the 306 Cadets in succession parade was Henry D. Canterbury, a hereafter officer destined to be the first Academy graduate to become a Thunderbirds pilot. The airshow that followed was my introduction to the Thunderbirds. Captivated by way of the aerial performance, I was anxious to share the experience with others.

Vocalizing my enthusiasm became frustratingly inadequate. 1 wanted for supportive images - photographic evidence. Thus began a pursuit of aviation photography that still continues.

It move rounded out that the Republic Thunderstreak was flown for barely one season, 1955 to 1956 and I had missed my chance to record the team's F-84F I made a personal dedicate that future opportunities would be sought with diligence. Beginning with the North American F-IOOC in 1956 I have subsequently photographed each airplane type flown by the Thunderbirds to date. There are now many images and memories significant to that endeavor - among them: the poignant last airshow performed in the Republic F-105B Thunderchief at McChord AFB in succession 9 May 1964; the F-IOOD performance at the first Reno National Championship Air Races, September 1964; the first air exhibit to in the Northrop T-38 (Paine Field, july 1974); and my first Thunderbirds air-to-air photo sortie.

The self-same nature of a Thunderbirds point out draws focus to the airplanes and their dynamic flight maneuvers. More illusive, the human vital airs of the team are les accessible. nevertheless memorably, in 1965, as part of a exclusive post-airshow social gathering, I met each Thunderbirds pilot. The number 4 Slot pilot, that year was Capt. Hank Canterbury, the first Air Force Academy graduate to vibrate with the Thunderbirds. That evening, 1 rapiered away personal memories that are still cherished today.

The year 2003 marked the 50th anniversary of the Thunderbirds and when 1 learned that Hank Canterbury's son Maj. Todd D Canterbury, was Lead Solo pilot, it became pertinent to attend the of a gold color Anniversary Airshow at Nellis AFB. Further impetus was provided by the agency of my teenage son who has embarked in succession his own photographic odyssey. His pictures and interview with Todd Canterbury, Thunderbird 5 follow

THE JOURNEY CONTINUES

BYJAMESW. LARSENJR.

My first trip to Nellis AFB was in 1997 when I attended the Air Tattoo cclehrating the 50th anniversary of the United States Air Force. My secondary visit was in November 2003 to attend another splendid anniversary, that of the USAF Thunderbirds. Additional incentive for my latest visit was to engage the only second-generation Thunderbirds pilot, Maj. Todd D Canterbury. My dad had met Maj. Canterbury's father years before in such a manner with me involved, there was a dual father and son connection. It was an opportunity that couldn't be ignored.

After coordinating with Thunderbirds Public Relations Officer Capt. Steven Rolenc and Media Relations Chief SSgt Katherine Garcia, and receiving permission for an interview, I prepared a list of questions and packed my camera bag.

On 14 November 2003 I mode of actioned my interview with Thunderbirds Lead Solo pilot, 32-year antiquated Maj. Canterbury. Here are a certain of the highlights of our discussion:

What influence, if any, did your father have upon your decision to become a Thunderbirds pilot?

My father had an enormous influence in succession me becoming an Air Force officer and had nothing however encouragement for me becoming a Thunderbirds pilot. however his biggest influence on me was to become an Air Force officer and to support my land However, once I determined that I wanted to be a Thunderbirds pilot he was extremely excited.

What advice can you give to young population who are interested in becoming Thunderbirds pilots?