Lt. Col. Alexander Prevendar Assumes Leadership Role

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds Air Demonstration Squadron welcomed Lt. Col. Alexander Prevendar as their new commander for the upcoming 2026-2027 air show seasons. He succeeds outgoing commander Col. Nathan Malafa in a ceremony at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Prevendar is a command pilot with more than 3,300 flight hours and previously served as the Commanders’ Action Group Chief for the Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central Command). While there he synchronized strategic communication, operational messaging, and senior-leader engagements across its 20-nation area of responsibility.

Lt. Col. Prevendar said, “To the 135 members of this incredible team, the United States Air Force “Thunderbirds,” thank you for the legacy you carry, the mission you live and the trust you’ve already shown me. It’s the honor of my life to step into this role, and it’s not something I take lightly.”

Col. Malafa led the team through 125 aerial demonstrations in 59 locations as well as high-profile flyovers at Super Bowl LVIII, Daytona 500, Indy 500, and the U.S. Air Force Academy Graduation.

Malafa said, “There is no other group I would rather execute this mission with, E-4 thru 0-5, civilians and contractor. And there’s no other team I’d trust with my life more— in training, airshows or combat. I’m so proud of you all and you inspire me for what is to come. Continuing representing the very best of what America has to offer.”

Prevendar will lead the team flying Thunderbird 1 for the 2026-2027 air show seasons, with the team’s 2026 schedule anticipated to be released during the week of December 8, 2025.

Prevendar explained, “This team runs on Blind Trust…between teammates—between crews— between every person who makes this mission possible. That trust is built not just off skill, but on respect, on character, and knowing that no matter the pressure, we show up for each other every day.

”This mission is about more than just maneuvers, it’s about meaning. It’s about showing the world that excellence isn’t luck—it’s forged. This hope is worth protecting, showing trust can be earned, and that impossible things happen every day, especially when people work together with Blind Trust and their total unwavering commitment.”

FMI:  www.airforce.com/