Honoring A Tribute, the story behind "Bold Tigers"

This Fine Art Print by Artist Craig Tinder honors the crews of the 391st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron "Bold Tigers" who flew the F-15E Strike Eagle. This Limited Edition Canvas Print includes an actual fragment from an F-15E Strike Eagle the 391st.

Details About the RELIC:

This relic originates from the avionics bay of an F-15E Strike Eagle belonging to the 391st Fighter Squadron, known as the "Bold Tigers." These components were deemed damaged, out of tolerance, or otherwise unusable by the squadron's maintenance office and were subsequently released as scrap. Despite being discarded, these parts have significant historical value, as they come from aircraft that flew numerous combat missions during some of the most dangerous and intense military engagements in recent history.

The relics consist of internal avionics bay trays, holders, and fittings, which are painted in various versions of zinc chromate, giving them distinctive metallic green and blue hues. Zinc chromate, a corrosion-resistant primer, is commonly used in military aircraft to protect critical components from harsh environments and extensive wear and tear. 

Owning a fragment from the Bold Tigers’ F-15E Strike Eagles offers not just a piece of military aviation history, but also a symbol of the bravery and skill of the pilots and crew who flew these missions. These relics represent the aircraft’s service in protecting global security and the sacrifices made by those who ensured its readiness for combat.

F-15E Strike Eagle components

F-15E "Bold Tigers" canvas with relic

The Story Behind the Print:

December 2018 - F-15E Strike Eagles of the renowned "Bold Tigers" of the 391st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron struck a significant blow against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) within their claimed territory. Based at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, the Bold Tigers deployed to an undisclosed Middle Eastern location through early 2019 to support OPERATION INHERENT RESOLVE. Their lethal combat deployment proved highly successful, playing a vital role in advancing the defeat of ISIS and securing the region's stability. 

F-15E from the 391st Fighter Squadron

The 391st Fighter Squadron, based at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho, deployed to an undisclosed location in the Middle East for several months to carry out their mission. Known for their skill and lethality in combat, the Bold Tigers brought with them years of experience, as the F-15E Strike Eagle had been a backbone of U.S. air power for decades. The aircraft's ability to perform both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions made it an invaluable asset in the fight against ISIS, allowing the Bold Tigers to engage enemy forces and provide close air support to ground troops.

Throughout their deployment, the Bold Tigers played a key role in dismantling ISIS’s operational capabilities. They targeted key infrastructure, supply routes, and command centers, significantly weakening the terrorist organization’s control over the region. The F-15E's advanced avionics and targeting systems allowed the Bold Tigers to deliver precise, devastating strikes that minimized civilian casualties while maximizing the impact on ISIS forces. Their efforts contributed to the eventual liberation of key territories from ISIS control and were instrumental in pushing the terrorist group to the brink of defeat.

By early 2019, the Bold Tigers had returned to Mountain Home Air Force Base, leaving behind a legacy of courage and effectiveness in one of the most challenging combat environments of the 21st century. The success of their deployment was a testament to the skill of the squadron and the power of the F-15E Strike Eagle, which remains a symbol of American air superiority.

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Commissioned by Museums, Treasured by Collectors