Your Aircraft. Your Stories. Your Legacy.

Preserving the legacy of the T-38 Talon and the people who flew it, who worked on it and those who admired it.

SHARE YOUR STORY

For over 60 years, the T-38 Talon has been known to those who flew it as the "White Rocket" — a supersonic trainer that has shaped generations of Air Force pilots. This archive preserves the aircraft's legacy through the personal stories of pilots, instructors, maintenance crews, and support personnel who made it legendary.

Whether you were a student, instructor, flight engineer, or crew chief, we look forward to hearing your stories. Grab a cup of coffee, strap in, and enjoy the experiences of those of us who were there — and those of you who still are!

Cheers,

Bobo

The T-38

  • "The only difference between a UPT student and a North Vietnamese gunner is, on graduation day the student thinks he likes you."

    — Gary Green, Vance AFB, OK, 1975

  • "Sparking down the runway, state intentions."

    — Snoopy, RSU Controller, 1975.

  • "Going solo in the '38 wasn't just a checkride—it was the moment you proved you belonged. Just you, the jet, and everything you'd learned. Nothing else like it."

    — 1st Lt. Sarah Williams, UPT Class 03-12, Columbus AFB