The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, “Thunderbirds,” is welcoming a new commander.

Lt. Col. Kevin J. Robbins took command of the unit from outgoing commander Lt. Col. Michael J. Chandler Feb. 17.

Lt. Col. Kevin J. Robbins, 40, in his first season as the commander/leader of the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, “Thunderbirds,” flies the No. 1 jet, leading all air demonstrations and commanding the 120-person squadron.

Colonel Robbins entered the Air Force in 1988 as a distinguished graduate from Officer Training School at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.  Before his assignment to the team Colonel Robbins was the Director of Operations, 67th Fighter Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan. He has logged more than 3,200 hours as an Air Force pilot, with more than 2,900 hours in the F-15A/B/C/D and F-16C/D.

Colonel Robbins was raised in ANN's home base of Winter Haven, Fla. He is married to Kristine Abbey of Paso Robles, Calif.

The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron is an Air Combat Command unit of eight pilots, four support officers, four civilians and about 120 enlisted Airmen in more than 29 career specialties.

FMI: www.nellis.af.mil/thunderbirds/index.htm