Ohio high school first in US to receive retired Air Force Thunderbird Jet

BELMONT COUNTY, OH (WTRF) – An Ohio high school will become the first high school in the United States to receive a retired Air Force Thunderbird Jet, and it’s also the first time the U.S. Air Force has ever provided an authentic aircraft to be permanently displayed outside a school.

The Union Local Afterburner Committee announced the official acquisition of a retired United States Air Force F-16 Thunderbird Jet, which will be permanently displayed on campus as a tribute to American military service, aviation history, and community spirit, and a fitting symbol for the school’s mascot. Union Local High School is, quite literally, the Home of the Jets.

The group said the effort began in 2018, when local community members, including President Dirk Davis, Pete Busack and the late Scott Mumper, initiated the process to secure a retired military aircraft for display.

“The United States Air Force has never given a Thunderbird out to the public. This has always gone to the military bases, and then went to state museums. Union local was lucky enough. We applied and we got it. Like winning the lottery,” Davis said.

Through a series of introductions and tireless coordination, including with the Navy Yard in Washington D.C., Naval Air Station Pensacola, and ultimately Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Union Local submitted a formal request for an F-16.

Melissa Shaw, Static Display Program Coordinator, and Mark J. Wertheimer, Museum Curator, both with The United States Air Force, were instrumental in guiding the process.

In August 2021, the Air Force approved Union Local’s application, setting the stage for years of preparation and fundraising.

The retired F-16 will be transported to Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas, where its engine and several seats will be removed in preparation for safe, long-term display at the school.

Construction of a pedestal to support the jet began in July 2024 by Richard Pryor of Buckeye Steel, and was completed later that fall with installation by John Tressel of The Tressel Company.

Following a successful presentation to Air Force officials in late 2024, Union Local moved from #53 on the waiting list to the #1 position by December, and communications with Worldwide Aircraft Recovery for transportation to Ohio began soon after.

The project reached a milestone on June 3, 2025, when Union Local was officially awarded a retired F-16 Thunderbird Jet, a celebrated aircraft once part of the Air Force’s elite demonstration squadron.

It is expected to arrive and be installed on campus in the spring of 2026 atop an 18-foot pedestal.

“They are the Union Local Jets, and since 1959, they always wanted a jet to represent them, and I feel it is awesome. There will be a great dedication in a year and more to follow,” Busack said.

“This is more than just a plane, it’s a symbol of perseverance, patriotism, and pride for the students and the entire community,” said Busack.

The aircraft will be installed in front of the high school as a permanent reminder of the power of vision, teamwork, and service.

The entire project is funded solely through donations collected by the Afterburners organization contributions from alumni, community members, and local businesses. No public or school funds have been used.

Those wishing to donate to this project may send a check made payable to Union Local Afterburners, P.O. Box 416, Bethesda, OH 43719. Donors will be recognized on the plaza wall.