Air Force Major Stephen ‘Cajun’ Del Bagno
nellis air force base
Discription:
The memorial displays two parts. The main part consists of testimonials from several sources, all mounted on one plaque. The wording and official seals as read from top to bottom is as follows:
“Your Fallen Hero Will Always Be Remembered. Air Force Major Stephen ‘Cajun’ Del Bagno. Born: April 30, 1983 – Died: April 4, 2018. Assigned to the U.S.A.F. Air Demonstration Squadron, (Thunderbirds) 57th Air Wing, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. [Photo of the major, and official seal of Department of the Air Force, United States of America]. The Tribute to Fallen Soldiers Motorcycle Riders gathered here today are honored to present this ‘Memorial Plaque of Distinguished Service’ to the family of Air Force Major Stephen ‘ Cajun’ Del Bagno, Valencia, California in remembrance of his everlasting call to bravery, honor, and sacrifice in the name of country and duty. We as everyday Americans will always be grateful for your fallen heroes’ dedication to country and family. With this plaque, it is our solemn promise to never forget your fallen soldier and what he has given in the name of honor, duty, and freedom. Dedicated to the Family of Air Force Major Stephen ‘Cajun’ Del Bagno on behalf of Tribute to Fallen Soldiers Northwest Provided on this day Tuesday, July 24, 2018. [Color depiction of the Great Seal of the State of California.]”
A second item next to the plaque is an artist’s canvas with a bold color illustration, based on an original photograph by U.S. Air Force member Christopher Boitz, of the major standing on the flight line facing forward, toward the camera. In the distance, several nondescript pilots can be seen standing at attention in front of their Thunderbird aircraft. The Thunderbird hanger can be seen in the far distance. In the sky above, a portion of an American flag is shown.
Responcible Organization/Individual:
Thunderbird airmen.
Designed By:
Placement of the combined items designed by Thunderbird personnel.
Address:
Inside the Thunderbird Museum on the Nellis Air Force Base, 4445 Tyndall Ave, Nellis AFB, NV 89191.
GPS Coordinates:
Hours Available
Ceremonies: yes
History:
According to an article in the Stars and Stripes newspaper by Corey Dickstein dated October 16, 2018, Del Bagno, age 34, was killed when his F-16 aircraft crashed during a training flight over the Nevada Test and Training Range. He was said to have lost consciousness during a strenuous maneuver moments before impact. The maneuver is known as the “High Bomb Burst Rejoin” where four Thunderbird jets fly together straight up in the air in a diamond formation before darting in opposite directions at high speed. Two main factors contributed to the crash, according to an official report. The first was the “push-pull effect” of moving from the negative g-force — the impact of gravity on the body upside — to the extremely strenuous g-force of 8.56, or more than 8.5 times the normal pull of gravity on the body, which forced Del Bagno unconscious. Secondly, investigators determined the diminished tolerance to the high g-force contributed to his inability to perform maneuvers that help pilots’ bodies counter those forces, called anti-g-force straining maneuvers. Investigators found no evidence that Del Bagno’s physical fitness level played any part in losing consciousness. It also determined his F-16 was in proper flying condition with no reported maintenance deficiencies that would have contributed to the crash. His pilot call sign was ‘Cajun.”
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