The F-105 has landed in Bowling Green, Kentucky!

After years of trying to make this happen, the River Rats proudly announce that there is now a Thud at the museum. It’s an F model, tail number 63-8343, and it is now sitting on its three wheels to the right of the museum building. If you were at the museum’s grand opening in 2023, it is right where the Huey helicopter hovered and lowered the PJs (and their dog!)

As for the restoration timeline, there will be a delay getting to the Thud as Aviation Heritage Park is restoring their F-9F Panther jet, which will take about six months. Once that is complete, the team at AHP will move on to the F-105. But it is all volunteer-dependent! So, if you have ever wanted to help in the restoration of an aircraft, then we want you to fulfill your dream and help out on the 105. We will get more details on how you can get your hands dirty as we get closer to the restoration time, so be on the lookout for updates in the RATNET Digest. Our guess when it will be completed is sometime mid-2026.

Membership in the 105 Club is STILL OPEN!

You still have time to join the 105 Club as we have about 30 numbered coins remaining. Not only will your donation of $105 (or more!) go to help make this Thud a showstopper, but it will help in the restoration cost and the paneled memorial to those aircrews associated with the F-105.  Use the link above or below. You can also send a check to our River Rats address: 5753 HWY 85 NORTH #6353, CRESTVIEW, FL 32536. Please be sure to note "105 Club" on the check and include a note with any other information you want us to know. 

Major Donations to the 105 Club 

River Rat John Williams - who flew tail number 343 when flying F-105s in the reserves at Carswell AFB in the 1970s -  was the first donor/member of the 105 Club with his $5,000 matching challenge. We met the entire $5,000 challenge very quickly.

Just after John's donation challenge was meet, River Rat Life Member Phil Drew, put forward another $5,000 matching challenge. Phil's matching challenge is in memory of his EWO,  Lt. Colonel (then Major) Bill Wheeler, RIP. During the Flight Suit Party at the 2024 reunion in Tucson, it was announced that Phil’s matching donation was met and Phil presented a check for the full $5,000 to the 105 Club. 

Finally, during the Flight Suit party, it was announced that Reid Sparks, yep, that’s Billy “Sparky” Sparks' son, was donating $5,000. What a way to end the evening!