F-104S "53-05" in mixed formation for the Tiger Meet 1980 at Cameri, Italy

F-104S, construction number 783-1023, serial number MM6723, model 783, built by Aeritalia at Turin-Caselle
delivery date AMI 16.6.1970; 53-12; delivery date 22°Gruppo 31.1.1972; 51-23 02.1972-3.1.1973; Aeritalia from 3.1.73; 53-05 21°Gruppo 6.2.1977-07.1980
crashed July 11, 1980 near Robilanate, Cuneo after loss of aircraft control during ACM (Air Combat Maneuvering), pilot ejected and was injured, 1.639 flight hours.

copyright @ Michiel Vogelpoel

The NATO Tiger Association or the Association of Tiger Squadrons was established in 1961.
Promoted by French Defence minister Pierre Messmer, its role is to promote solidarity between NATO air forces.
It is not, though, part of the formal NATO structure.
The USAFE (United States Air Force Europe) 79th TFS (Tactical Fighter Squadron) took the initiative and on 19 July 1961.
They invited No. 74 Squadron RAF and EC 1/12 Squadron of the French Armée de l'air to Woodbridge in England.
As of June 2009, the squadrons included in the Association are 19 full members, 10 honorary members and 3 probationary members,
all of which have a tiger as part of its squadron crest.
As well as being opportunities for NATO air forces to share ideas and experiences,
the ‘Tiger Meets’ are also public relations exercises for NATO. NATO aircraft are often brightly painted with tiger stripes.