Had Been The First Female Fighter Pilot To Lead The Demonstration Team

The first female pilot to lead the F-16 Viper demonstration team has been relieved of command just two weeks after being named to the post.

In a statement released by Air Combat Command (ACC), director of public affairs Col. Allen Herritage said Capt. Kotnik was relieved on February 11 "due to a loss of confidence in her ability to lead and command the Air Combat Command F-16 Viper demonstration team. The Viper demonstration team is working to minimize impacts on scheduled performances and looks forward to inspiring crowds around the country during the upcoming season as soon as a new commander is selected.”

The Air Force Times reports that Herritage had no further comment, and would give no reason for the action. A spokeswoman for the 20th Fighter Wing said that Kotnik was no longer performing with the team, and would continue to "serve in a non-supervisory role in the 20th Fighter Wing."

Col. Derek O’Malley, 20th Fighter Wing commander, posted on the Shaw Air Force Base Facebook page that he hopes Capt. Kotnik will continue to serve in the Air Force. “We have thousands of airmen across our Air Force serving our country, and not one of them is perfect,” O’Malley said. “As good people, like Capt. Kotnik, make mistakes, I want them to have the opportunity to learn from them without being under public scrutiny and to continue to be a part of this great service. They’ll be better for the experience, and in turn, we’ll be better as an Air Force.”

“In these types of situations, I never forget that we’re dealing with real human beings, that I care deeply about, and that we are charged to take care of,” O’Malley continued. “This will be a difficult time for Capt. Kotnik, but she’s surrounded by wingmen that will help her every step of the way.”

(USAF Image)

FMI: Source report