"It's only appropriate that the commander of such a sophisticated flying team as the Thunderbirds enjoys equally impressive ground transportation while in Milwaukee."
    With those words, Lt. Col. D. L. Smith, commander of the Air Force's precision flying team, was handed the keys to his "ground craft" an Excalibur to be used during his stay in Milwaukee. The Thunderbirds had arrived to stage daily  air  shows  over  this city's famous

Summerfest.
    Since their first aerial demonstration in 1953, the Thunderbirds have traveled throughout the United States and to 45 countries in the Free World. They have logged 2,394 performances before more than 148 million people.
    Thunderbirds have met prime ministers, presidents, foreign dignitaries, celebrities and countless fans down through the years all the time spreading goodwill and    friendship    which    have    always

identified them as America's "Ambassadors in Blue."
    Of course, all those numbers, graphs and charts show "gee whiz" facts and figures but little of the true value of the Thunderbird team. Their accomplishments and successes in the areas of international and community relations have placed the team on the top rung of the public relations ladder. Then there is the professionalism, pride, dedication and   just   plain    hard    work    of    the