Linkedin. Sacked Thunderbirds Boss Took Formation Supersonic, Placed Hands Around Neck Of Pilot. Welcome to the USAF Thunderbird Association. F-16C 87-0309 was one of the USAF "Thunderbirds" single-seater display aircraft in the 1992-1994 time frame. The year 1965 was the most burdened at the history of the team. Enough to say I was in servicemans heaven for each and every day of those 2 years. Crew: (347th TC Sq, TAC, 9th AF,464th TC Wg, Pope AFB): Cpt. A solid plan makes it easier to navigate todays uncertain world and when priorities change or a crisis happens, a well-crafted plan will help keep the team on track. Coming to Huntington Beach for the Pacific Airshow, the Thunderbirds, past and present, include some supremely accomplished female fighter pilots. Learn more about the event and register today. An eye witness on the ground at the field said that Thunderbird Two was on the left side of the three-plane formation, which had just executed a low pass over the runway. 2023 Aerobatic Display Teams Website. After a short existence the Black Knights were disbanded. On 2 June 2016 the opposing solo #6 aircraft of the team, crashed at Widefield approximately five miles south of Peterson Air Force Base. In 1963 the Thunderbirds performed their first airshow in Europe and North Africa including: Portugal, West Germany, France, Libya, Great Britain, Luxembourg, Italy and Spain. Serbia. My peers had never known an Air Force without women, so I had the same pressure any fighter pilot feels to perform, said Malachowski, noting that any pushback to having women fighter pilots was more a generational thing. The flight surgeon oversees the health and well-being of the 130-person team, as well as their families. Since the aircraft are only slightly modified, they can be made combat-ready in less than 72 hours. . Sgt. She joined the Civil Air Patrol while in middle school, soloed at 16 and participated in Air Force Junior ROTC during high school, subsequently earning her commission from the U.S. Air Force Academy. One of them carried the name Red Devils and was created in the Las Vegas airbase (later renamed to Nellis). He was told his greatest value to the country would be as an instructor of military pilots. On F-84F the Thunderbirds performed 100 shows, but only in 1955. Kaity Toner, a fellow Thunderbird pilot. HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. He also occasionally takes duty shifts aboard Thunderbird 5 and serves as second in command of the International Rescue organisation, although the episode Atlantic Inferno was the only time we saw him sitting at his father's desk. The Thunderbirds, the Air Force's flight demonstration squadron, perform during the Cleveland National Air Show in Cleveland, Sept. 6, 2021. As a result, absolute trust and teamwork in both our professional and personal dynamics are foundational to our mission.. After a confinement of nine weeks, she gave birth to daughter Norah and son Garrick on 6 June 2010. During General Newton's time in the Thunderbirds, local . She has also served as a White House Fellow and was the executive director of a White House initiative where she directly advised former First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden on all topics relating to service members, veterans and military families. LAS VEGAS, NV The Air Force Thunderbirds this week selected new officers and pilots who will join the squadron in September for the 2022 and 2023 air show seasons. Sgt. The last thing was necessitated by the fact that #4 flew strictly behind #1 (the leader) and its vertical stabilizer in certain moments runs into the jet from the leader's engine. Creech, a former Thunderbird pilot of the 1950s, also was known as "The Father of the Thunderbirds" for rescuing the Air Force's Aerial Demonstration Team from a congressional chopping block after . You can look out those porthole windows at landscape from 20,000 feet for only so long. Retired Lt. Col. Dale Cooke, a former Air Force Thunderbird pilot, climbs a ladder to view the cockpit of his former T-38 Talon at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., Sept. 7, 2016. Lloyd W. "Fig" Newton is a retired United States Air Force 4-star general who served as Commander, Air Education and Training Command (COMAETC) from 1997 to 2000. The incident occurred about 1 p.m. after a flyover at the Air Force Academy graduation ceremony. The Thunderbirds were officially formed on May 25, 1953, as a 3600 aerobatic squadron at the Luke airbase, Arizona. More than300 million people in all 50 states and 58 foreign countries have seen the red, white and blue jets in more than 4,000 aerial demonstrations. Captain Joseph Pete Peterson was a pilot for the Thunderbird division of the United States Air Force. By Lucy Buchholz. Before that the basic color of the planes was the color of the unpainted metal - aluminum. Here's how to make the most of it. This crash limited flying on all USAF Super Sabres to 4G. She trained at Seymour Johnson AFB, North Carolina, with the 4th Fighter Wing on the F-15E Strike Eagle. The 2024 NBAA Maintenance Conference provides vital education and networking opportunities for anyone involved in business aircraft maintenance from technicians to directors of maintenance. The crash happened when McPeak pull up his F-100D to begin series of vertical rolls. We moved there in late 1942. In the next year the Thunderbirds moved Republic F-105B Thunderchief, but fly on it only in six shows between April 29 and May 9. His engines sucked seagulls on takeoff. It was gratifying to see the bond between all of us get stron- ger while we re-energized our Thunderbird roots. When a member of the Thunderbirds, an Air Force aerobatic flying team in the 1950s, told him about an opening at the US Air Force Academy, he saw an opportunity to give his dream a shot. Gen Lloyd Newton- Thunderbird Pilot. Had number 2 attached on April 1, 1993 and was number 6 on February 14, 1994. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in management, with a minor in French,[13] from the United States Air Force Academy, graduating 4th in the class of 1996. And in a third incident of perceived unsafe behavior, witnesses told investigators Heard attempted a loop on takeoff at an airshow in Boise, Idaho, even though the weather conditions were too overcast. 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Jacob Impellizzeri, 79th Fighter Squadron, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, has been selected as Thunderbird 8, the teams Advance Pilot and Narrator. Heard took command of the squadron Jan. 6, 2017, and was relieved at the conclusion of the season Nov. 20, 2017, by Brig. WHM highlight former Thunderbirds pilot. Heard was relieved of command last November after a commander-directed investigation found he did exhibit aggressive physical contact towards his subordinate," an unnamed member of the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, on Sept. 11, 2017, at an Irish pub in National Harbor, Maryland. In the next year to the same school was created the other display team Skylarks, but they exist only one year. From biplanes to space. In this year, in this unique team structure, Thunderbirds made its long waiting European tour. [4] She later became a speaker and advocate on behalf of patients with tick-borne illnesses. , TBAA Chairman (Left Wing/Narrator 1981-84), The idea of continuing our belief that Once a Thunderbird, Always a Thunderbird is something to be proud of. (Watch accident video). served as a White House Fellow and was the executive director of a White House initiative where she directly advised former First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden on all topics relating to service members . On April 4, 2018, the slot pilot Maj. Stephen Del Bagno died in crash at Nevada Test and Training Range near Nellis AFB during routine practice flight. Former Thunderbird pilot reunites with T-38 at Tyndall AFB. On that plane the squadron resumed its flights on fighters. The report concluded that as commander and leader of the Thunderbirds, Heard was charged to maintain good order and discipline in the squadron he commands. Nicolas A. Myers). December 2007 June 2008: Deputy Chief, Commander's Action Group. He studied the regulations and researched . The airshow in Mexico City was watched by 300 000 people on the airport and more 1 200 000 on the hills around the airport. The first aerobatic team of the United States Air Forces (USAF) and even in USA was created in 1927 and was called Three Musketeers. The season lasts from March to November, with the winter months used to train new members. This highly maneuverable multi-role fighter has proven to be one of the world's best precision tactical bombers and air-to-air combat aircraft. US Army Skylarks . Malachowski will share her story later this month during the NBAA GO Leadership Summit. The entire show, including ground and air, runs about an hour and fifteen minutes. To the team were added two solo pilots who joined the diamond and form a six-planes formation. Cooke flew the T-38 from 1979-1982 when it was a Thunderbird jet and performed in over 200 events annually. David L. "Nick" Hauck was killed when his T-38 apparently flamed out and crashed in a Layton field at Hill Air Force Base, Ogden, Utah. "We don't have a name for it," said Capt. By exhibiting aggressive physical contact toward his subordinate, [redacted], he demonstrated a lack of judgement [sic] and ability to effectively command his unit.. I had been around aircraft all my life, even logged some student flight time after I was 16. Located at the magnificent Palexpo in Geneva, Switzerland and the Geneva International Airport, EBACE2023 will be the place to engage with companies that are paving a new way in the business aviation marketplace. Former Thunderbirds pilot 'an inspiration' for young girls. By Airman 1st Class Johnathan Watts. The squadron includes six pilots, who fly with the team for two years (half the pilots are replaced each year), and some 135 support personnel. The Thunderbirds will flew over Las Vegas to show appreciation and support for the healthcare workers, first responders and other essential personnel who are working on the front lines to combat COVID-19. Tristan McIntire/U.S. The officers and enlisted Airmen who make up the Thunderbirds embody professionalism and skill. On Oct 21, 1967 during Laughlin AFB, Texas airshow, #5 Capt. Right in 1949 the tradition USAF to have its own aerobatic team continued. This episode was made possible by Foundation For Women Warriors. The diamond tries to perform loop in a line abreast, when the leader's plane received mechanical break-down, which does not allow it to exit from loop. In 3 years, my Dad taught 1,800 pilots to fly for the Army, Navy and Marines. We are on the road together more than 200 days per year, executing flying operations with absolutely no margin for error. All the rest three completely trouble-free aircraft follows the leader until he crashed to the ground, causing the deaths of all four Thunderbird's pilots. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. The USAF Thunderbird Associationpromotes a shared purpose to create a welcoming community for all past, current and future Thunderbirds and help preserve our history for generations to come. Women's History Month: First Female Thunderbird Pilot Trailblazed for All Women in Aviation. It was May 16, 1980 and the airport was preparing for the Memorial Day air show. Jerry Bolt, slot pilot and Tech Sgt. Nicolas Myers) Major Lauren "Threat" Schlichting '12 is one of only six female pilots in the 69-year history of the squadron and the second female Thunderbird to have graduated from the University of St. Thomas. An official website of the United States government, Air Force Distributed Common Ground System, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. The 2023 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) will return to Las Vegas, NV from October 17-19. The team's escorting cargo plane C-123D crashed killing all 19 peoples from the Thunderbirds support staff. Thxs a lot for the info, I'm building an RC Jet F100 and need that info for the pilots name and callsign on helmet. We shared stories of past and present, with no other intention than to strengthen the Thunderbirds. Moments of self-doubt did creep in though. Red Devils flew five P-51 Mustang aircraft and existed only one year. Twitter. On 1 July 2009, she participated in a White House ceremony at which legislation (S.614) awarding a Congressional Gold Medal to the WASP was signed into law by President Barack Obama. The first appearance of the Thunderbirds was on July 1, 1953 at Nellis airbase, Nevada, while the first demonstration was on July 8th and the first publics display was on . Capt. James C. Wilson, Jr; 1LT John N. Frisby; 1LT Thomas C. Lampsa; SSG James M. Hauver; A1C James C. Miller. Although the Thunderbirds were formed to demonstrate the abilities of combat pilots and aircraft, they were urged to move on the training Northrop T-38 Talon, because five Talons used as much fuel as only one F-4. If she was lucky, one of the local pilots would take her up for a ride and if Sally was really lucky, the pilot would give her temporary control of the aircraft. She also earned a Master of Arts degree from American Military University in National Security Policy,[13] and a second in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. United States. In 1986, the Thunderbirds participated in the rededication flyby of the Statue of Liberty and in September, another milestone was attained when the team went over the 200 million mark for total attendance. Lt. Col. Jason Heard was relieved of command of the Thunderbirds on Nov. 20. I had a 12 aircraft line of L19s in Texas that I crew-chiefed for in a primary flight school. Among the ways that NBAA is celebrating Black History Month is by highlighting individuals who've found their careers in business aviation and who now are working to ensure similar opportunities are available to anyone seeking a place in the industry. Capt. That is where I came from, that is where I went. First demonstration with F-100C was on May 19, 1956 at Armed Forces Day at Nellis AFB. (U.S. Air Force Photo/SSgt Cory W. Bush), Members of the United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" perform a high show demonstration in Reno, Nevada, September 19, 2021. by Lawndart Sun Feb 22, 2009 1:02 am, Post - To support Air Force community relations and people-to-people programs
The more than 120 enlisted members represent nearly 30 different career fields and serve as the backbone of our team, ensuring all jets and operations are in top shape at all times. The squadron exhibits the professional qualities the Air Force develops in the people who fly, maintain and support these aircraft. [4], Nicole Malachowski's ribbons as of 1 August 2009:[8], Early years, education, and personal biography, Air Force Organizational Excellence Award, Air Force Overseas Short Tour Service Ribbon, Air Force Overseas Long Tour Service Ribbon, "Joining Forces Announces New Executive Director", "Wing honors first female Thunderbird pilot", "Report of the Access to Care Services and Support to Patients Subcommittee to the Tick-Borne Disease Working Group", "Retired Fighter Pilot Nicole Malachowski Addresses Economic Club", "Major Nicole Malachowski and Major Samantha Weeks", "Joining Forces' new leader has cockpit, White House experience", "National Women's Hall of Fame announces Class of 2019", "Female Thunderbird: First in Flight; Western High School grad makes history", "President Bush Appoints 20082009 Class of White House Fellows", "A Little Good News from Paul Malachowski", "Change of Command ceremony, 333d Fighter Squadron", "First female Thunderbird takes last flight at SJ", First Lady thanks WHFs Col. Nicole Malachowski and Maj. Andy Anderson, "2008 WAI Pioneer Hall of Fame Inductees", "Air Force Releases Colonel, Major Promotion Lists", CNN.com: Woman joins Air Force Thunderbirds, F-16.net article Thunderbirds' first female pilot announced with new 2006 pilots, F-16.net article Becoming Thunderbird is dream come true for Nevada native, Air Force Times Thunderbirds to get first female pilot, Pilot to leave Nellis for White House Fellows Program, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Nicole_Malachowski&oldid=1132996410. Youll learn current best practices and trends from industry experts and fellow attendees through top-level education sessions and critical peer-to-peer networking to help you work smarter, not harder in the year ahead. In turn, they've seen the pride, professionalism and dedication of hundreds of thousands of Airmen serving at home and abroad. 4 jet for the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. Nicolas Myers), Thunderbirds No. Save the date and make plans to attend the biggest and most productive event of the year for business aviation. She completed transition training to the F-16 Fighting Falcon with the 56th Fighter Wing at Luke AFB, Arizona and flew with the Thunderbird Team based at Nellis AFB, Nevada from November 2005 until November 2007. In the 2006 season for the first time in Thunderbirds history, a woman demonstration pilot was chosen. I knew I was opening a door and I was very aware that I wanted to leave it open, said Malachowski, who as a trailblazer felt some self-imposed pressure to perform flawlessly. The report, obtained by Air Force Times via the Freedom of Information Act, said that on that evening, the unnamed pilot was agitated by how Heard was leading Thunderbirds flights, and felt he was not following the rules," or flying regulations. Maj. Kyle Oliver, the current Opposing Solo pilot, will transition to the Lead Solo position in 2022, replacing Maj. Michelle Curran. The four-aircraft diamond formation demonstrates the training and precision of Air Force pilots, while the solo aircraft highlight the maximum capabilities of the F-16 Fighting Falcon. After only six shows, in 1964, due to an extensive modification that became necessary on all Thunderchiefs, the Thunderbirds returned to the F-100. After that accident the team transited to F-100D. It is unclear what Heards current assignment is. Black Knights . [14] While at the Naval War College, Malachowski was the first USAF officer to earn the Admiral Stephen B. Luce Award as the class honor graduate. The team was disbanded in 1960. Air Force) Despite all the military . Learn what led her to [] Show Between Two Wings, Ep Between Two Wings with Michelle "MACE" Curran - Former Thunderbird Lead Solo, F-16 Fighter Pilot - 2 Nov 2022 In the beginning of 1960's for the first time on the body of F-100C was painted the well-known silhouette of a thunderbird. Brig. Malachowski is a combat veteran as an F-15E flight commander, evaluator, instructor pilot and flight lead, and has more than 2,300 hours in six different Air Force aircraft. Former Thunderbird pilot embraces . The more than 120 enlisted members represent nearly 30 different career fields and serve as the backbone of our team, ensuring all jets and operations are in top shape at all times. Mentors played a key role throughout her career, including a life-long woman mentor who first taught her at the Air Force Academy, as well as many male mentors who encouraged her along the way. He left his aircraft and jump into a spare one. - To reinforce public confidence in the Air Force and to demonstrate to the public the professional competence of Air Force members
In 1956 was formed Acrojets aerobatic team from the USAFE based at Furstenfeldbruk airbase, Germany. In 1982 tragedy struck for thirty two year old Joseph Peterson and the Thunderbirds during pre-season training on January 18th. Soon after that Capt. The more than 120 enlisted members represent nearly 30 different career fields and serve as . [9] She was medically retired from the USAF in 2017 after attaining the rank of colonel. Listen to the full episode here. Thunderbirds Aircraft History. That was Parks Air College. Multiple witnesses told investigators that they were concerned about the relationship between Heard and that pilot, and that the pilot told several teammates he thought Heard was going to kill him while flying. NBAAs 2023 White Plains Regional Forum will bring current and prospective business aircraft owners, operators, manufacturers, customers and other industry personnel together for a one-day event. On Aplil 1st, 2013, Thunderbirds show season was cancelled from due to budgetarysequestrations. Gulla will replace Maj. Mike Bell. Maj. Nicole Malachowski answers questions at the Women in Aviation and Space Family Day March 14 at the National Air and Space Museum's Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. During their tour in Europe they flew from Paris to Colorado Springs the total amount of 11 260 kilometers (6996 miles) without landing with seven on-flight refueling. LOUISVILLE, Ky. ( WAVE /Gray News) - Two co-workers in Kentucky are splitting a big $50,000 win after buying lottery scratch-off tickets during their . (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Multiple selection is available. January 2003 January 2004: Army Liaison Officer, Chief of Standardization and Evaluation, deputy director of Main Air Support Operations Center, ASOC Fighter Duty Officer, 604th Air Support Operations Squadron, Camp Red Cloud, South Korea. Scott, the oldest of the brothers, is pilot of Thunderbird 1 and also serves as backup crew on Thunderbird 3. Retired Lt. Col. and former United States Air Force Thunderbirds pilot Dale Cooke, reunites with the aircraft he flew while serving with the USAF Thunderbirds from 1979-1982., The Green Dot crew sat down with Col . [21], She completed her assignment with the 333d in May 2013 and reported to the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island as a student. Thunderbird Team Photos 1953-2020 Gallery. Eight officers serve as our highly experienced pilots, and four serve in critical roles from medical support to public affairs. In 1932 was formed a new aerobatic team - Men on the Flying Trapeze. Replacements must be trained for about half of the team each year, providing a constant mix of experience. Here are all the Thunderbird Officers, their rank, position(s), and years while they were part of the team: Only Ralph Hoot Gibson comes to mind, Commander/Leader 1961-1963. The Canadian-owned manufacturer named Wichita its official U.S. headquarters last April, less than a month after the final Learjet 75 rolled out of its Wichita hangar. One of the witnesses, who was closest to the two, intervened and broke it up, the report said. These fallen Thunderbirds were Major Norm Lowry, 37, Commander and Leader, Captain Willie Mays, 32, Left Wing, Captain Joseph 'Pete' Peterson, 32, Right Wing, and Captain Mark E. Melancon, 31, Slot. The officers include two new formation pilots, an advance pilot/ narrator, a flight surgeon, and a maintenance lead. During the take-off of the diamond #3 and #4 collided while realigning. To the team also was assigned one T-33 in Thunderbirds colors, flying by the team's narrator. Surround yourself with like-minded business aviation professionals looking to further cultivate their leadership skills at the 2024 Leadership Conference. The page you requested could not be found. "We just call it the 'Pattillo Pull.'" By the time she graduated from undergraduate pilot training at Columbus AFB, Malachowski was among the first group of women chosen to fly modern fighter aircraft. The commander/leader started the Coca-Cola 600 by broadcasting live from Thunderbird No. The crash occurs by the "excess airspeed and insufficient stopping distance on a wet runway caused the aircraft to depart the runway and overturn in the grass. At the beginning of the demonstration, Major Joe Howard received malfunction during engine start. The main attraction was going to be James Stewart, actor, pilot and World War II hero. The current right wing pilot, Maj. Zane Taylor, will transition to Thunderbird 4, replacing Maj. Michael Brewer. August 2005 October 2005: Student, F-16C/D TX-2, Class 05-ATC. Gene Devlin crashed. She started working on her pilot's license before graduating from high school. After successfully completing her tour with the USAF Thunderbirds in November 2007, including approximately 140 performances, Malachowski served on staff of the Commander, United States Air Force Warfare Center, at Nellis AFB, to June 2008. On Jun 24, 2017, The Thunderbirds #8 F-16D jet skidded off the runway during landing and flipped on its top, trapping two people inside the cockpit. They will join the Thunderbirds with the previously announced . In order to rebuild the team, the Air Force pulled several former Thunderbird pilots, who were still on active duty, to "come out of air show . This years applicant pool featured some of the very finest Air Force leaders who showcased a remarkable level of skill and motivation. We moved from Pennsylvania to Missouri in 1942, where Army pilots were being trained in open cockpit biplanes called JN3s. The 2024 NBAA Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference offers the opportunity for attendees to further their professional development through up-to-date education sessions and a wide variety of networking events. He was survived by his widow, the former Linda Downing of Tantoul, Ill., and two sons, Jason, 11, and Mathew, 6. Robert Anderson Solo/Left Wing 1955-1957 Maj. Donald Ferris . The two solo aircraft collided in mid-air as the Thurman F-100 crashed, but the other pilot landed his F-100 safely. During the Gulf War in 1990 the squadron does not performed any demonstrations. 1 HISTORY OF FLIGHT: On February 14, 1994, Captain Thomas H Lewis Ill, the mishap pilot, was scheduled to fly an F-16 (S/N 87-0309) as Thunderbird Six, the Opposing Solo, on a standard Thunderbird training mission with five other pilots assigned to the USAF Air Demonstration Squadron. The Green Dot crew sat down with Col. Chris Stricklin to talk about his experience becoming a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, a member of the Thunderbirds, ejecting during a . After that crash, the other involved pilot was removed from the team. Both planes received insignificant damages, but in the name of security the show was cut off. Lauren Schlichting, 4th Fighter Wing, Seymour Johnson, North Carolina, has been selected as Thunderbird 3, the team's Right Wing pilot. Also last year, the former Thunderbirds commander, Lt. Col. Jason Heard, was relieved of command . Then I was off to the Air Demonstration Squadron in only 6 months. When I first became an F16 pilot, we got straight into tactics and . (Technically, 87-0309 was an operational front line aircraft on the strength of the 414th TS, 57th FWW, based at Nellis AFB) During the flights in such a closer formation (typical for most flying teams) all the pilots follows visually the leader and if they are on a one-plane distance from him they follow the plane between the leader and them and do not look out or to the panel. Following the crash, the Thunderbirds used just one solo aircraft during airshows until they transited to T-38 Talon. If you know of a passed Thunderbird, please email the information, and a photograph of the Thunderbird if possible, to Jody Roberts at admusaftba@gmail.com. Reddit. Malachowski was then selected to participate as a White House Fellow in Washington, D.C., from 1 September 2008 to 31 August 2009, serving in the General Services Administration with the Presidential Transition Support Team and as deputy chief of staff. - To strengthen morale and esprit de corps among Air Force members
This team named Black Knights was the first aerobatic display team in the world which flew bombers. Erik Gonsalves and Staff Sgt. This was the first fatal crash since the "Dimond crash" in 1982. The Navy and Marine pilots were trained in J-3s to PT-19s before being sent overseas. September 25, 2019 September 26, 2019 EAA's The Green Dot Former Thunderbird Pilot Col. Chris Stricklin Podcast. 1 jet during flight formations, demonstrating the teamwork and precision of Americas Air Force. The "Diamond Crash" interrupts the demonstrations of the Thunderbirds for 14 monthsuntil April 2, 1983, when they flew again - to perform an aerobatic demonstration, but now with new aircraft - General Dynamics F-16A Fighting Falcon. Then in about 6,5 G the wing collapsed and engine start to fire. The four-aircraft diamond formation demonstrates the training and precision of Air Force pilots, while the solo aircraft highlight the maximum capabilities of the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Thunderbirds (present team) United States. In 2007, the Thunderbirds visited Europe for the first time since Sept. 11, 2001 with the European Goodwill Tour. Ed). [11] While at the academy she was both a pilot and cadet instructor pilot in the academy's TG-4 glider program. This was a deployed show that involved the jets taking off from and landing at a different site from the air show. Here are all the Thunderbird Officers, their rank, position(s), and years while they were part of the team: Thunderbird Officers 1953 to Present Maj. Richard Catledge Commander/Leader .