MEDIA RELEASE: Sheppard, AF set to retire T-37 Tweet

Published July 27, 2009
82nd Training Wing Public Affairs

SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Sheppard and the United States Air Force will say good-bye to an old, but dependable friend July 31 when the T-37 Tweet is officially retired from the Air Force.

The Tweet has trained more than 78,000 U.S. Air Force pilots since it became operational in 1957, as well as numerous nations across the world participating in U.S. training programs. Two models have been used over the last 52 years: The T-37A and the T-37B. The latter, which came into service in 1959, was used for training until June 17 when the last U.S. student pilot completed a mission.

The retirement ceremony will officially begin at 9:30 a.m., including the departure of four T-37s that will be delivered to the Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group - also known as the aircraft bone yard - at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz.

For more information about the event, call the 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs Office at (940) 676-2732.