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COMACC Certifies Thunderbirds for 2022 Show Season

Gen. Mark Kelly, commander of Air Combat Command, speaks with Maj. Lauren Schlichting, United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron “Thunderbirds” pilot, and Lt. Col. Justin Elliott, USAFADS “Thunderbirds” commander/leader, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Mar. 10, 2022. The Thunderbirds require multiple certifications in order to perform at air shows around the world. Receiving COMACC’s certification was the final step for the 2022 team to be show ready. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Laurel Richards)
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Thunderbirds Kick-Off Inaugural Training Trip

Lt. Col. Justin "Astro" Elliott United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" commander and leader, leads the diamond formation during the team's first winter training trip practice January 11, 2022 at Spaceport America, Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. This trip provides dedicated airspace the team can use to practice for the upcoming airshow season. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Nicolas A. Myers)
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Thunderbirds Kick-Off Inaugural Training Trip

Maj. Kyle "Gumbo" Oliver and Capt. Daniel "Thunder" Katz, United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" solo pilots, perform a crossover break during practice January 11, 2022 at Spaceport America, Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. Maj. Oliver has stepped into the lead solo position and Capt. Katz is filling Oliver's previous position as the team's opposing solo. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Nicolas A. Myers)
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Thunderbirds Kick-Off Inaugural Training Trip

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" takeoff for their first flight during this year's winter training trip January 11, 2022 at Spaceport America, Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. This is the team's first winter training trip in its history and time will be split between Spaceport America, New Mexico and Ft. Huachuca, Arizona. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Nicolas A. Myers)
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Thunderbirds Kick-Off Inaugural Training Trip

Lt. Col. Justin "Astro" Elliott, United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" commander and leader, prepares to debrief after the team's maiden winter training trip flight January 11, 2022 at Spaceport America, Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. This winter training trip is the first in the team's history and provides an opportunity for the team to practice in different environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Nicolas A. Myers)
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Walsh assumes command of Thunderbirds squadron

Staff Sgt. Joshua Pait, Thunderbird #1 Dedicated Crew Chief, signals the start of the ground show, before Lt. Col. Kevin Walsh's, Thunderbird #1/Commander/Leader, flight Dec. 20 on Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. Walsh started his syllabus for being the Leader of the Thunderbird formation today. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Christopher Boitz)
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Walsh assumes command of Thunderbirds squadron

Lt. Col. Kevin Walsh, Thunderbird #1/Commander/Leader, uses hand signals to communicate with his crew chiefs prior to his flight Dec. 20 on Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. Walsh was selected to lead the Thunderbirds squadron for the 2018 show season. As commander/leader he will not only lead the demonstration, but also 130 service members comprising over 28 AFSCs. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Christopher Boitz)
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Walsh assumes command of Thunderbirds squadron

Staff Sgt. Joshua Pait, Thunderbird #1 Dedicated Crew Chief, and Staff Sgt. Justin Beach, Thunderbird #1 Assistant Dedicated Crew Chief, salute Lt. Col. Kevin Walsh, Thunderbird #1/Commander/Leader, after unveiling his name on the side of the lead jet. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Christopher Boitz)
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Walsh assumes command of Thunderbirds squadron

Brig. Gen. Jeannie Leavitt passes the guidon to Lt. Col. Kevin Walsh, Commander/Leader of the Thunderbirds, in an Assumption of Command Ceremony Dec. 20 at the Thunderbirds Hangar on Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. As the Commander of the Thunderbirds, Walsh will have the unique dual responsibilities of commanding a force of 130 service members while also leading all demonstration flights that demonstrate the power and precision of the F-16 Fighting Falcon. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Ned Johnston)
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Walsh assumes command of Thunderbirds squadron

Lt. Col. Kevin Walsh, Thunderbird #1/Commander/Leader, salutes Master Sgt. Santiago Sanchez,Tactical Aircraft Maintenance Flight Chief, during a "shake and bake" prior to his first flight as "Boss" Dec. 20 on Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. Thunderbird pilots must adhere to a strict syllabus before the team can perform for fans across the globe. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Christopher Boitz)
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Thunderbirds perform at March Air Reserve Base

Maj. Alex Turner, Thunderbird 6, performs a sneak pass over the crowd during the March Air Reserve Base Airfest "Thunder Over the Empire" air show at March ARB, Calif., April 17, 2016. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Tech. Sgt. Christopher Boitz)
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Ambassadors of goodwill

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds pose for a photograph with the U.S. Ambassador to Finland, Bruce J. Oreck, at Turku Air Base, Finland, June 18, 2011. The Thunderbird visit marks the first time in the team's 58-year history to fly in Finland. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Richard Rose Jr./Released)
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Flight in Finland

Lt. Col. Case Cunningham, Thunderbird #1, and Tech. Sgt. Paul DeGrechie pull off the old flag panel, revealing the new panel bearing the flag of Finland at Turku Air Base, Finland, June 18, 2011. This marks the first time in the team's 58-year history to fly in Finland. The Thunderbirds will perform in nine countries during their European tour, fostering international goodwill and representing America's Airmen around the globe. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt Richard Rose Jr./Released)
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Teamwork ensures Thunderbird performance

The Thunderbird Solos, featuring gray radomes, join up with the Thunderbird Diamond to form the 6-ship Delta formation at Keesler AFB, Miss., April 4. USAF Photo by Staff Sgt. Kristi Machado (RELEASED)
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Teamwork ensures Thunderbird performance

From left, Technical Sgt. Phil Sawin and Staff Sgt. Mark Stoverink, crew chiefs for Thunderbird #5, finish their launch procedures prior to take-off at Keesler AFB, Miss., April 4. USAF Photo by Staff Sgt. Kristi Machado (RELEASED)
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Team welcomes newest 'birds'

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Staff Sgt. Wayne Frost, U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron crew chief, recovers the newest addition to the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, a Block-52 Lockheed-Martin Fighting Falcon F-16. In addition to the new F-16, the Thunderbirds also welcomed five new officers for the 2008 demo season, including the incoming commander, Lt. Col. Gregory Thomas from Elmendorf Air Base, Alaska; incoming right-wing pilot, Thunderbird No. 3, Maj. Kirby Ensser from Kadena Air Base, Japan; opposing solo pilot and Thunderbird No. 6, Maj. Tyrone Douglas from the 57th Fighter Wing here; advance pilot and narrator, Thunderbird No. 8, Maj. Anthony Mulhare from Luke AFB, Ariz.; and flight surgeon and Thunderbird No. 9, Maj. (Dr.) Charla Quayle from the 99th Medical Group here. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Kristi Machado)
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Making history

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Capt. Nicole Malachowski sits in the #3 Right Wing Thunderbird jet before a practice. Captain Malachowski was chosen for the position for the 2006 season. Captain Malachowski is the first female Thunderbird pilot to be on the team. (U.S. Air Force photo by Julie Ray)
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