This site is dedicated to those men, who gallantly and courageously served their country during World War II and the Vietnam era as members of the 17th Troop Carrier Squadron and later as the 17th Tactical Airlift Squadron. Special recognition is given to the extraordinary accomplishments of the personnel who have crewed or supported the C-130 “ski model” of the 61st, 17th, Navy VXE-6, and 139th squadrons.

The Firebird tradition continues with the men and women of the 517th Airlift Squadron in Alaska.

Never have so few done so much at such risk to themselves and their aircraft. 

Historic Website

To access our original Firebirds website, with history dating back one year before Pearl Harbor on up to about 2024 click the HISTORIC WEBSITE button. Much like that box of chocolates, “You never know what you’re gonna get” when browsing this archive.

Here you will find stories about, and photographs of, incredible events. Humorous, dangerous, or both! Longtime Firebird Historian, Nolan W. Bailey Sr., collected and posted the vast majority of everything you’ll find here. Many thanks Nolan!

Disclaimer: INFORMATION ON THIS HISTORIC WEBSITE IS NIETHER CURRENT NOR MONITORED.

Current Information

To access current events and those since about 2025, use the buttons below.

Copyright © 1996-2026, Firebird Association and Nolan W. Bailey, Sr.