Air Force to pay homage to ‘Flying Tigers’ in Arizona Bowl

Published 7:57 pm Thursday, December 29, 2016

VALDOSTA — The “shark teeth” adorning the fuselage of aircrafts is one of the most recognizable symbols in the United States Air Force.

Although the 23d Fighter Group of Moody Air Force Base is the only unit of the currently authorized to carry the distinctive markings on its aircrafts, the “shark teeth” are quickly becoming a part of one of the most memorable helmets in college football as well.

The Air Force Academy football team (9-3) plans to sport its “Airpower Legacy Series” sharktooth helmets and uniforms in today’s Arizona Bowl against South Alabama (6-6) in Tuscon, Arizona.

Air Force unveiled its alternate uniform in August before debuting them on Sept. 10 in a 48-14 victory against Georgia State. The Falcons also donned the “shark teeth” on Nov. 13 in a 49-46 win against Colorado State.

“Moody is the only Air Force base in the country that has an aircraft with the shark teeth on them,” said Korey Fratini, the chief of public affairs at Moody Air Force Base.

The 23d Fighter Group was originally established during World War II as the 1st American Volunteer Group of the Chinese Air Force and it soon earned the nickname “Flying Tigers” for its success in combat.

Commanded by Claire Lee Chennault, and made up of a band of skilled volunteer civilian pilots, the “Flying Tigers” helped defend China from Japanese invasion — its first combat occurring just 12 days after Pearl Harbor.

The “Flying Tigers” disbanded soon after and later redesignation as the 23d Fighter Group before activation. Since 2006, the group resides at Moody.

Descendants of the “Flying Tigers,” and the only group authorized to carry on the legacy of the “shark teeth” nose art seen on the P-40 Warhawks in WWII, Moody pays homage to the 23d Fighter Group on its A-10 Thunderbolt II aircrafts.

Friday, the Air Force Academy will also show reverence for the classic design — an exciting prospect for those stationed at Moody and in the presence of the magnificent flying machines regularly.

“It’s definitely special for the base,” Fratini said. “It’s a great opportunity to not only recognize the heritage of the Air Force, but the heritage of the base and the long history of the ‘Flying Tigers.’”

Derrick Davis is the sports editor at the Valdosta Daily Times.