9, the team’s Flight Surgeon. By design, the position openings are staggered, allowing the squadron to maintain continuity of experience and leadership. A new cohort of Thunderbird pilots has been announced as the U.S. Air Force’s premier aerial demonstration squadron heads into the 2019 season and shakes off a …
Michael Brewer of Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., has been selected as Thunderbird No. 1, the squadron’s Commander/Leader. Current Thunderbird pilots Capt. This will be the first show season since 2014 with a female demonstration pilot on the team. Maj. Whit Collins, the current Lead Solo Pilot, will transition to the Slot Pilot position as Thunderbird No. “I think you feel most alive when you are experiencing something new and exciting, or something that takes you outside your comfort zone and maybe scares you just a little.”The Thunderbirds advance pilot and air show narrator for next season will be Major Jason Markzon, who is currently assigned to 13th Fighter Squadron in Japan. You'll receive one e-mail a week with a list of our new posts for your reading enjoyment, plus occasional special news bulletins.USAF Thunderbirds Announce New Pilots and Officers for 2019 Michelle Curran of the 355th Fighter Squadron, located at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas, has been chosen as Thunderbird No. Jason Markzon, 35th Maintenance Operations Flight Commander and F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot assigned to the 13th Fighter Squadron, Misawa Air Base, Japan, will become Thunderbird No. Curran said in a 2017 Air Force interview. As Thunderbird 9, Colls will provide physical check-up of the team, as well as monitor pilot health during practices and flight demonstrations.“The Thunderbirds are proud to welcome these leaders aboard as they assume responsibility for showcasing the pride, precision, and professionalism of more than 660,000 total force Airmen serving around the world,” Walsh added.Charles A Atkeison is a long time aerospace journalist having covered both military and civilian aviation, plus 30 space shuttle launches from Cape Canaveral. Enter your email address to subscribe to the AirshowStuff Weekly Recap newsletter. Lt. Col. Caldwell will replace Lt. Col. Walsh as he takes charge of the 11 officers and 120 enlisted Airmen who make up America’s Ambassadors in Blue.In 2012, a then-Major Caldwell was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his quick actions as pilot of an F-16 jet in response to several attacks on American and allied forces by the enemy while serving in Afghanistan in 2011.Capt. Capt. Collins will replace Maj. Nick Krajicek who returned to the team in April in the wake of Major Stephen Del Bagno’s Capt.
Absolutely amazing!Thank you!
Like Brewer, Collins will also fly in close formation with the other demonstration pilots, just aft of the No. Lt. Col. John Caldwell, 28th Test and Evaluation Squadron Commander, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., will become Thunderbird No. “It was a tough selection process, but ultimately these officers rose to the top.”The Thunderbirds will welcome a new commander for next season as Lt. Col. John “Brick” Caldwell departs Eglin Air Force Base and it’s Florida beaches for the high desert of Nevada. 1, the squadron’s Commander/Leader.
3, the team’s Right Wing Pilot.
They have broken barriers and done great things.”Curran, who was selected as the first female pilot in the 355th FS, enjoys the excitement of being behind the stick of an F-16 Fighting Falcon. Brewer, who has been stationed at Seymour Johnson AFB, North Carolina, was a commercial pilot prior to his military service, and later served overseas as an accomplished F-15 combat pilot.Current Thunderbird lead solo pilot in the number 5 jet, Maj. Whit Collins, will transition over to Thunderbird 4 as the new slot pilot. Please check your inbox or spam folder now to confirm your subscription. Caldwell will replace Lt. Col. Kevin Walsh. October 10, 2019 COMMENTS 30 Read the Blog Thunderbird is funded by users like you Thunderbird is both free and freedom respecting, but we’re also completely funded by donations! Capt. “This year’s exceptional officer applicant pool reflects the incredible degree of talent, motivation, and diversity that exists throughout our Air Force,” Thunderbirds commander Lt. Col. Kevin Walsh stated on Friday. The Thunderbirds are proud to welcome these leaders aboard as they assume responsibility for showcasing the pride, precision and professionalism of more than 660,000 total force Airmen serving around the world.”Officers on the Thunderbirds team serve two year tours of duty. Will Graeff will remain as right wing, and current opposing solo Major Matt Kimmel will move up to lead solo. Collins will replace Maj. Nick Krajicek. 2, 4, 6, 7, 10 and 12 will be replaced.Congrats to all of the newly selected team members!
6, the team’s Opposing Solo Pilot. In 2020, Thunderbird Nos. Michelle “Mace” Curran, currently stationed at NAS Forth Worth’s 355th Fighter Squadron, has been selected as only the fourth female pilot in Thunderbirds history and only their second female solo pilot. The USAF Thunderbirds have announced the new pilots and officers for the 2019 show season. The Air Force on Wednesday unveiled the names of the six officers — including three pilots — who will join the Thunderbirds demonstration team for the 2020 season.. Michael “Thorny” Brewer has been selected as Thunderbird 3 and right wing pilot for 2019. Major Markzon will work hard this winter memorizing his script as he announces the maneuvers and behind the scenes details during each air show next year.The team also selected its new flight surgeon in Lt. Col. (Dr.) Noel “Tums” Colls who is currently serving at California’s Travis AFB. The USAF Thunderbirds have announced the new pilots and officers for the 2019 show season.