Latest In Long Line Of Skilled Aerobatic Pilots

Earlier this week, the US Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, "Thunderbirds", announced its new officers for the 2007 demonstration season, the 54th in the team’s history.

• Joining the team on the left wing position at Thunderbird No. 2 is Maj. Chris Austin from the 57th Wing, based at Nellis AFB, NV.
• The slot pilot, Thunderbird No. 4, is Maj. William Poteet of the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron, also based at Nellis.
• The 2007 No. 6 pilot, flying the opposing solo position, is Capt. Samantha Weeks of the 12th Fighter Squadron at Elmendorf Air Force Base, AK.
• The operations officer, Thunderbird No. 7, the team’s second in command, is Maj. Robert Skelton of Headquarters U.S. Air Forces Europe, Ramstein Air Base, Germany.
• The team’s newest executive officer, Thunderbird No. 10, is Capt. Amy Glisson of the Air Force District of Washington at Bolling AFB, Washington, DC.
• Also joining the team as maintenance officer, Thunderbird No. 11, is Capt. Charles Ploetz of the 52nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Spangdahlem AB, Germany.
• Rounding out the newest 2007 officers is the public affairs officer, Thunderbird No. 12, Capt. Elizabeth Kreft of the 1st Fighter Wing at Langley AFB, VA.

Returning to lead the team for a second season as commander is Lt. Col. Kevin Robbins, Thunderbird No. 1.

The other returning members of the 2006 team who complete the 2007 team include: Maj. Nicole Malachowski, Thunderbird No. 3, right wing; Maj. Ed Casey, Thunderbird No. 5, lead solo; Maj. Tad Clark, Thunderbird No. 8, advance pilot and narrator; and Maj. (Dr.) Dan Mirski, Thunderbird No. 9, the team’s flight surgeon.

The US Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron is an Air Combat Command unit comprised of eight pilots (including six demonstration pilots), four support officers, four civilians and about 120 enlisted Airmen performing in more than 29 career specialties.

FMI: www.airforce.com/thunderbirds