F-84G-16-RE #51-10306 7th FIS 49th FBW, Korea 1952

The Republic F-84 Thunderjet was an American turbojet fighter-bomber aircraft. Originating as a 1944 United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) proposal for a day fighter, the F-84 flew in 1946. Although it entered service in 1947, the Thunderjet was plagued by so many structural and engine problems that a 1948 Air Force review declared it unable to execute any aspect of its intended mission and considered cancelling the program. The aircraft was not considered fully operational until the 1949 F-84D model and the design matured only with the definitive F-84G, “special weapon” and inflight refueling capable, introduced in 1951. In 1954, the straight-wing Thunderjet was joined by the swept-wing F-84F Thunderstreak fighter and RF-84F Thunderflash photo reconnaissance aircraft.

In late 1950, thunderjet was sent to Korea to reinforce the Far East Air Force to provide escort for B-29 bombers and later, close air support. It was there that the USAF discovered that the F-84s were outmatched performance wise over the Mig-15s. The Thunderjet became the Air Force's primary strike aircraft during the Korean War, flying 86,408 missions and destroying 60% of all ground targets in the war as well as eight Soviet-built MiG fighters.

F-84G-16-RE s/n 51-10306 "Ladies Wild / Buzzy McGoo II" piloted by Major Ted McLean of the 7th Fighter Bomber Group based in Taegu AB (K-2), South Korea, 1952.