The Thunderbirds transitioned from the F-16A/B to the F-16C/D Block 32 in 1991 as the team prepared for the 1992 show season, ending their status as the last active-duty unit employing the F-16A/B. Thunderbirds #1, Lt. Col. Dan Darnell, primarily flew aircraft 87-0323 throughout the F-16C’s first show season, while Dedicated Crew Chief TSgt Mark Payne and Assistant SSgt Dale Posey maintained “323” as the team performed 75 aerial demonstrations, including a 17-day tour of Central and South America. More than 6.6 million people watched the squadron’s newest aircraft perform during the 1992 show season. During 2008, in preparation for the 2009 show season, the Thunderbirds began taking delivery of the F-16C/D Block 52, replacing the Block 32 with newer models that reflected the characteristics of combat F-16 squadrons and the latest advances in aircraft technology. This Thunderbird aircraft represents the pride, precision, and professionalism of all Airmen and symbolizes the absolute commitment to excellence embodied by the United States Air Force Thunderbirds, past and present.