“Based on unique team requirements to fill the role of Thunderbird 1, the Commander/Leader of the Thunderbirds, ACC leadership made a personnel change. The team remains postured for a safe and effective 2026 show season.”

Source: The very basic, not-so-detailed explanation provided by the Thunderbirds as they announced a last-second change to their 2026-2027 Commander and Thunderbird 1 pilot. As expected, no drama was acknowledged…just “unique team requirements” that led them to reverse the earlier selection and install Lt. Col. Alexander “Knight” Prevendar as the next Commander/Leader.