Warbird Information Exchange

Following a query on the related post regarding the final USAF F-38, I thought I'd look at F-47 Thunderbolts. This is how I think the final F-47s ended their US military service:

405th FBW at Godman AFB, KY; retired its F-47Ds to Oklahoma Air Materiel Area (AMA) at Tinker AFB up to 14Apr53; this was the final Wing-sized USAF organization to operate the Thunderbolt; it transitioned onto Republic F-84Fs.

The 469th FIS at McGhee-Tyson AFB sent its final F-47Ns to Oklahoma AMA at Tinker AFB up to 17Jul53 and converted to F-86As (first received in May53).

The 47th FIS at Niagara Falls AFB, NY transferred its F-47Ds to Tinker AFB up to 28Jul53 and converted to the F-86D.

Two ANG units seem to have operated the type into 1954:

The 199th FIS HI ANG at Hickam; its F-47Ns were all authorized for reclamation on 09Mar54 and converted onto the F-86E (first received Feb54).

The 198th FIS PR ANG at Isla Grande sent many of its F-47Ns to the Oklahoma AMA in Jan54; the remainder were transferred to the Mutual Defense Assistance Program on 23Jun54 and were transferred to CIA/Nicaragua use. The squadron received its first F-86Es in Jul54.

So how about some photos of these final aircraft? Anyone?

Not on your list, but,the 352nd Fighter Group returned to Camp Kilmer, New Jersey in November 1945. On 24 May 1946, it was redesignated the 113th Fighter Group and allocated to the District of Columbia Air National Guard with the exception of the 328th Fighter Squadron which was allocated to the Virginia National Guard ,using P-47N's from 47-52.

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When I was young "sex was safe & flying was dangerous".

Nice photo: I didn't include any units pre-1953 as there were a fair number that finished with Thunderbolts in 1952. It's possible that there were some test aircraft (Aberdeen Proving Grounds was assigned a P-47 into 1953 for example), but so far nothing beyond the above.