Their show begins with the supersonic flight of F-86 Sabre from USAF. I find myself daydreaming as we used to do on cargo plane flights around the world. 1 HISTORY OF FLIGHT: On February 14, 1994, Captain Thomas H Lewis Ill, the mishap pilot, was scheduled to fly an F-16 (S/N 87-0309) as Thunderbird Six, the Opposing Solo, on a standard Thunderbird training mission with five other pilots assigned to the USAF Air Demonstration Squadron. After successfully completing her tour with the USAF Thunderbirds in November 2007, including approximately 140 performances, Malachowski served on staff of the Commander, United States Air Force Warfare Center, at Nellis AFB, to June 2008. The astigmatism in my eye, at that time, was not correctable, and I could not even land a Link trainer. On July 4, 1969, in the presence of President Nixon in Colorado Springs the Thunderbirds introduced their new aircraft - McDonnell Douglas F-4E Phantom II. He was survived by his widow, the former Linda Downing of Tantoul, Ill., and two sons, Jason, 11, and Mathew, 6. Youll learn current best practices and trends from industry experts and fellow attendees through top-level education sessions and critical peer-to-peer networking to help you work smarter, not harder in the year ahead. F-84 Thunderjet - Republic Aviation-1953 thru 1954 - 132 flights / Thunderstreak - Republic Aviation- 1955 thru 1956- 90 flights Gallery. This years applicant pool featured some of the very finest Air Force leaders who showcased a remarkable level of skill and motivation. Stricklin forget to reset his altimeter, and goes too low to exit safely from the maneuver. That former Thunderbird reached out to the oldest living Thunderbird pilot, Major General Gerald D. Larson, to find out how solo passes were performed in the early days when the Thunderbirds were flying the F-100C. Moments of self-doubt did creep in though. His engines sucked seagulls on takeoff. In the next year the Thunderbirds moved to their present home base - Nellis airbase, Nevada, and begin to fly on North American F-100C Super Sabre, becoming the first aerobatic team in the world which uses supersonic airplanes (Watch Thunderbirds F-100 Super Sabre video). Published March 19, 2014. The Team This has to be a long-term strategic goal, she added. [14] In May 2015, she was announced as the new executive director of Joining Forces, First Lady Michelle Obama and Second Lady Jill Biden's initiative to support veterans, service members, and military families. An official website of the United States government, Air Force Distributed Common Ground System, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. In 2007, the Thunderbirds visited Europe for the first time since Sept. 11, 2001 with the European Goodwill Tour. The team was created to the Air Tactics School of the aviation corps in Maxwell Field, Alabama flew four Boeing P-12 aircraft. But I did excel, and I was on active duty flying F-16s for 13 years - three of which were as a solo pilot for the Air Force Thunderbirds. In 1967 the Thunderbirds performed their show number 1000 and in the next year they received the status of an official aerobatic squadron of US Air Force. Sgt. Gather with other operators for up-to-the minute information to support aircraft operations in regions around the world. Copyright 2022 Thunderbirds Alumni Association. During the take-off of the diamond #3 and #4 collided while realigning. By exhibiting aggressive physical contact toward his subordinate, [redacted], he demonstrated a lack of judgement [sic] and ability to effectively command his unit.. During their tour in Europe they flew from Paris to Colorado Springs the total amount of 11 260 kilometers (6996 miles) without landing with seven on-flight refueling. Eight officers serve as our highly experienced pilots, and four serve in critical roles from medical support to public affairs. At the time he didn't know that he'd end up following in his footsteps, but the events of 9-11 solidified his. Foundation for Women Warriors (FFWW) is a unique support organization created . Acrojets were disbanded in 1953. From 1969 to 1973, the Thunderbirds flew the Air Force's front-line fighter, the F-4E Phantom. Mark Smith is an airline pilot, mixed martial arts referee, judge, and trainer, and corporate health and wellness advocate. Major Dick Catledge was a World War II veteran, who has some medals and the honor diploma from the President of the United States. Nicole Malachowski was born Nicole Ellingwood in Santa Maria, California, to Cathy and Robert Ellingwood. The event featured female air and space pioneers, including astronauts, a World War II Women Airforce Service Pilot and . Thxs a lot for the info, I'm building an RC Jet F100 and need that info for the pilots name and callsign on helmet. [7] She spent the 2006 and 2007 air show seasons flying the Number 3 (Right Wing) aircraft in the diamond formation. Ryan grew up watching his dad fly fighter jets. In 1957 from the 774th Troop Carrier Squadron was formed Four Horsemen aerobatic display team flying four C-130 Hercules airplanes. Yugoslavian Past Aerobatic Display Teams . By Lucy Buchholz. Capt. Sgt. Gene Devlin crashed. Transition to the F-16A allowed the team to retain manpower and fuel efficiency while demonstrating to spectators the latest in fighter technology. On Oct 9, 1958 happened the worst accident in the history of the team. Coming to Huntington Beach for the Pacific Airshow, the Thunderbirds, past and present, include some supremely accomplished female fighter pilots. Zoe Kotnik was relieved from command after only two weeks according the Air Forces Times report published February 12, 2019. After only six shows, in 1964, due to an extensive modification that became necessary on all Thunderchiefs, the Thunderbirds returned to the F-100. In 3 years, my Dad taught 1,800 pilots to fly for the Army, Navy and Marines. Thunderbird One, the Commander/ The USAF Thunderbird Associationpromotes a shared purpose to create a welcoming community for all past, current and future Thunderbirds and help preserve our history for generations to come. The team's escorting cargo plane C-123D crashed killing all 19 peoples from the Thunderbirds support staff. This was Major Nicole Malachowski, who flew as right wing #3 position. Had number 2 attached on April 1, 1993 and was number 6 on February 14, 1994. The Thunderbirds were officially activated June 1, 1953, as the 3600th Air Demonstration Team at Luke AFB, Ariz. Their first aircraft was the straight-winged F-84G Thunderjet, a combat fighter-bomber that had seen action in Korea. On June 4, 1972, #3 left wing Major Joe Howard killed during the Transpo airshow at Dulles International Airport. Operation Desert Storm cancelled the 1990 European tour and the season was shortened. I am personally grateful for Jasons dedication to the 2017 season., The Air Force said in a release last November that Leavitt lost confidence in his leadership and risk management style [and] determined that new leadership was necessary to ensure the highest levels of pride, precision and professionalism within the team., Thunderbirds spokesman Maj. Ray Geoffroy went on to say last November that concerns arose that his approach to leading the team was resulting in increased risk within the demonstration, which eroded the team dynamic. Founded in 1947 and based in Washington, DC, the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) is the leading organization for companies that rely on general aviation aircraft to help make their businesses more efficient, productive and successful. The 2024 NBAA Maintenance Conference provides vital education and networking opportunities for anyone involved in business aircraft maintenance from technicians to directors of maintenance. [11] In April 2010 she was admitted to the Mother and Infant Care Center (MICC) of the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, in expectation of the birth of twins. Heres the latest news for the Thunderbird Alumni Association family. In 1982 tragedy struck for thirty two year old Joseph Peterson and the Thunderbirds during pre-season training on January 18th. In just 5 years after leaving the Thunderbirds, it was my privilege to prepare the drawings of the structural steel for my companys part of the contract to build the Vertical Assembly Building, that great big house at Cape Canaveral, Florida, where the rockets and space vehicles for our countrys space program are assembled. Robert Gulla, 723 Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, has been selected as Thunderbird 11, the teams Maintenance Officer. "We just call it the 'Pattillo Pull.'" (Watch accident video). On this episode of Between Two Wings we talk with Michelle "MACE" Curran, who flew as a Lead Solo for the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds'. The AOPA Extra 300L introduced McSpadden, a career U.S. Air Force fighter pilot and former leader of the Thunderbirds demonstration team, to competition-style aerobatics that involve negative Gs, spins, and tumbles. . Another team created in 1948 at the Williams airbase, Arizona, was Acrojets. If youre interested in elevating your career to the next level, look no further than SDC2025. September 25, 2019 September 26, 2019 EAA's The Green Dot Former Thunderbird Pilot Col. Chris Stricklin Podcast. Lauren Schlichting, 4th Fighter Wing, Seymour Johnson, North Carolina, has been selected as Thunderbird 3, the team's Right Wing pilot. Retired Lt. Col. Dale Cooke, former United States Air Force Thunderbird pilot, climbs a ladder to view the cockpit of Aircraft 177 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., Sept. 7, 2016. -- Lieutenant Col. Nichole Malachowski was the first female pilot to be selected to fly as part of the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, also known as the Thunderbirds. When Col. Nicole Malachowski was in middle school, women were prohibited from becoming fighter pilots. On April 4, 2018, the slot pilot Maj. Stephen Del Bagno died in crash at Nevada Test and Training Range near Nellis AFB during routine practice flight. by Lawndart Sun Feb 22, 2009 1:02 am, Post Gen. Jeremy Sloane, an F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot with 2,500 . (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Smith died in an accident at Cleveland, OH, following a three-day Labor Day airshow. (Technically, 87-0309 was an operational front line aircraft on the strength of the 414th TS, 57th FWW, based at Nellis AFB) Although the Thunderbirds were formed to demonstrate the abilities of combat pilots and aircraft, they were urged to move on the training Northrop T-38 Talon, because five Talons used as much fuel as only one F-4. The report, obtained by Air Force Times via the Freedom of Information Act, said that on that evening, the unnamed pilot was agitated by how Heard was leading Thunderbirds flights, and felt he was not following the rules," or flying regulations. [21], She completed her assignment with the 333d in May 2013 and reported to the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island as a student. Former Thunderbird pilot reunites with T-38 at Tyndall AFB. The only modifications needed to prepare the aircraft for its air demonstration role are installing a smoke-generating system in the space normally reserved for the 20mm cannon, and the painting of the aircraft in Thunderbird colors. Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Dale Cooke, former Thunderbirds slot position pilot, prepares for a historic flight in the original unmodified T-38A model used during his service with the USAF Thunderbirds in the early 80s nationwide at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., April 21, 2017. [4] She later became a speaker and advocate on behalf of patients with tick-borne illnesses. Thunderbirds Aircraft History - Fifty-five minutes before five teenagers were arrested after authorities drove a stolen car from New Braunfels to San Antonio, police said.. 1 hour ago News is being updated. Northrop T-38 Talon does not have a system for air refueling and for that reason the Thunderbirds does not organize shows over the ocean. Major Howard eject just before the aircraft impact, but the flames of the crashed aircraft burned his parachute and he died. . In 1955 the Thunderbirds moved on swept wing Republic F-84F Thunderstreak airplanes and for the first time used white smoke generator. Malachowski will share her story later this month during the NBAA GO Leadership Summit. Kaity Toner, a fellow Thunderbird pilot. And in a third incident of perceived unsafe behavior, witnesses told investigators Heard attempted a loop on takeoff at an airshow in Boise, Idaho, even though the weather conditions were too overcast. Read more. 1, 2023 at 9:31 AM PST. Malachowski is a combat veteran as an F-15E flight commander, evaluator, instructor pilot and flight lead, and has more than 2,300 hours in six different Air Force aircraft. The first appearance of the Thunderbirds was on July 1, 1953 at Nellis airbase, Nevada, while the first demonstration was on July 8th and the first publics display was on . An eye witness on the ground at the field said that Thunderbird Two was on the left side of the three-plane formation, which had just executed a low pass over the runway. Singapore. Flight of the Thunderbirds. Serbia. At the same time theThunderbirds traded the veteran F-84 for the world's first supersonic fighter, the F-100 Super Sabre -- an aerial platform that would serve the Thunderbirds for 13 years. In the beginning they used four Republic F-84G Thunderjet. He was also the first African-American pilot in the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. David L. "Nick" Hauck was killed when his T-38 apparently flamed out and crashed in a Layton field at Hill Air Force Base, Ogden, Utah. Posted on 7/13/2021, 5:28:51 PM by Thank You Rush. In the next year to the same school was created the other display team Skylarks, but they exist only one year. 3 (now one of the openings), who was not only a skilled performer but also a . If you know of a passed Thunderbird, please email the information, and a photograph of the Thunderbird if possible, to Jody Roberts at admusaftba@gmail.com. The more than 120 enlisted members represent nearly 30 different career fields and serve as the backbone of our team, ensuring all jets and operations are in top shape at all times. He studied the regulations and researched . The team flew four North American F-86A Sabre airplanes. The 2010 season, the team's 57th year of performing, saw the team in 73 shows all over the United States and Canada. In 2009, the Thunderbirds traveled back to the Pacific Rim, performing in locations like Malaysia, Guam, Australia, Korea and Japan. March 1998 January 1999: Student, F-15E Formal Training Unit, January 1999 October 2000: F-15E pilot, Ground Training Officer, Standardization and Evaluation Liaisons Officer. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. We moved from Pennsylvania to Missouri in 1942, where Army pilots were being trained in open cockpit biplanes called JN3s. In that post, she accurately describes the trust . The team flew four T-33 airplanes. Thunderbirds site to see the full show schedule. [22], After leaving the War College, Malachowski served as the deputy director of United States Air Force Readiness and Training at the Department of Defense. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in management, with a minor in French,[13] from the United States Air Force Academy, graduating 4th in the class of 1996. He previously covered leadership and personnel issues at Air Force Times, and the Pentagon, special operations and air warfare at Military.com. The advance pilot coordinates air show operations and will act as the narrator during air shows. We now know much more about why the Air Force fired the Thunderbirds commanding officer after just one season . Both planes received insignificant damages, but in the name of security the show was cut off. My eyes failed all the flight test requirements for the Air Force in the 50s. F-16 Fighting Falcon U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, Air Force Thunderbirds commander relieved, Women in the military: Moving beyond firsts, Veterans Affairs drops mask requirement for all agency medical offices, Officials OK some hand and neck tattoos for airmen, Guardians, Perennial pilot shortage puts Air Force in precarious position, Healthy eating on a budget for busy military spouses, Tax scams How to report them Money Minute, Capitol Hill weighs action on two controversial topics: medical marijuana and abortion, Lockheed wins hypersonics contract | Defense Dollars, Go inside a secret nuclear fallout bunker sealed for decades, Another Air Force fleet grounded over fears plane tails may fall off, Pentagon orders engine vibration fix for entire F-35 fleet worldwide, Minot firings due to failed nuclear safety inspection, Air Force advisers study use of satellites for tracking moving targets. U.S. Air Force Col. Shawn "Norm" Pederson was a Thunderbird pilot and vice commander of the 4th Fighter Wing. The Thunderbird Association exists to promote the comradeship of former and current members of the U. S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "The Thunderbirds" and to ensure that "Once A Thunderbird, Always A Thunderbird" is a continued commitment from each member and that excellence remains the benchmark by which we measure all we do. Malachowski is recovering from a debilitating neurological tick-borne illness and is now retired from the military, but her career is proof that women now have opportunities in the military and in aviation that they did not have years ago. The team was disbanded in 1960. The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" perform at the California Capital Air Show in Mather, Calif., September 26, 2021. The first commander of the Thunderbirds was Major Dick Catledge, for left and right wings are selected ex-Skyblazers members twins brothers Lieutenant Bill and Lieutenant Buck Pattillo and for the slot Captain Bob Kanaga. To stay as close to the wild blue as possible, my military career consisted of Helicopter Mechanics School, Flight Line Crew, H-21s, F-84 Crew Chief and F-89J Crew Chief. Jerry Bolt, slot pilot and Tech Sgt. Nicole Margaret Ellingwood Malachowski[3] (born 26 September 1974) is a retired United States Air Force (USAF) officer and the first female pilot selected to fly as part of the USAF Air Demonstration Squadron, better known as the Thunderbirds. experiences that speak to who we are and in whose lives we made a difference. She served two operational tours at RAF Lakenheath, England, with the 48th Fighter Wing; assignment to the 4th Fighter Wing at Seymour Johnson AFB; and as an Air Liaison Officer supporting the 2nd Infantry Division at Camp Red Cloud, South Korea. Right in 1949 the tradition USAF to have its own aerobatic team continued. Reddit. In 1954 was formed Sabre Knights aerobatic team from the 325th fighter squadron based at Nellis AFB. F-16C 87-0309 was one of the USAF "Thunderbirds" single-seater display aircraft in the 1992-1994 time frame. The Thunderbird Association exists to promote the comradeship of former and current members of the U. S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron The Thunderbirds and to ensure that Once A Thunderbird, Always A Thunderbird is a continued commitment from each member and that excellence remains the benchmark by which we measure all we do. Multiple witnesses testified that Heard compromised safety and violated Air Force flying regulations and FAA regulations, the report said. The T-38 was more fuel-efficient and less costly to maintain than the larger F-4. Located at the magnificent Palexpo in Geneva, Switzerland and the Geneva International Airport, EBACE2023 will be the place to engage with companies that are paving a new way in the business aviation marketplace. Sacked Thunderbirds Boss Took Formation Supersonic, Placed Hands Around Neck Of Pilot. Robert Anderson Solo/Left Wing 1955-1957 Maj. Donald Ferris . 5 and 6 perform a reflection pass during a practice show at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., on Aug. 11. The team converted to the F-16C in 1992, bringing the F-16A era to an end. Howard aircraft received a malfunction in hydraulic arm that controlled the horizontal stabilizers, which stuck in up position. Planning for the teams future is one of a leaders most important responsibilities. Gen. Short told the story of former Thunderbird pilot Caroline "Blaze" Jensen, the team's right wing and No. In the 2006 season for the first time in Thunderbirds history, a woman demonstration pilot was chosen. Capt. With Phantoms the Thunderbirds performed 518 aerial demonstrations. With my background before and after entering the service, it was only natural that I was assigned to the Transit Alert. Since the aircraft are only slightly modified, they can be made combat-ready in less than 72 hours. December 19, 2022. . Grindstaff will be replacing Lt. Col. Noel Colls. The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" fly over Las Vegas, Nev., April 11, 2020. This was a deployed show that involved the jets taking off from and landing at a different site from the air show. General Larson said they had visual references measured out from show center and would use the radio to sync up in 1965, but no . This year was formed two aerobatic display teams. The 2023 NBAA Tax, Regulatory & Risk Management Conference is the premier conference for attorneys, CPAs, financial advisors, CFOs and flight operations professionals looking for tax planning strategies from industry leaders. Naval War College, where she graduated with highest distinction. Then, as the three rose into a vertical climb, when Devlin's aircraft was at about a 45-degree attitude to the ground, and traveling about 300 knots, the fuselage snapped in half, just above the weapons bay, and blew up. Published: Mar. Multiple witnesses also told investigators that they perceived Heards leadership style to be hostile, the report said. Although she had to use a wheelchair due to a broken left leg, Lt Col Malachowski delivered remarks during the ceremony held 10 March 2010, in the United States Capitol awarding Deanie Bishop Parrish the medal on behalf of all 1,102 WASP pilots. On Apr 25, 1999, during the airshow in Patrick airbase, Florida, two of the planes hit one another while taking off. December 2007 June 2008: Deputy Chief, Commander's Action Group. January 2003 January 2004: Army Liaison Officer, Chief of Standardization and Evaluation, deputy director of Main Air Support Operations Center, ASOC Fighter Duty Officer, 604th Air Support Operations Squadron, Camp Red Cloud, South Korea. [5][6], Malachowski was a Civil Air Patrol cadet before she entered the United States Air Force Academy in 1992. I knew I was opening a door and I was very aware that I wanted to leave it open, said Malachowski, who as a trailblazer felt some self-imposed pressure to perform flawlessly. by skymaster68 Thu Aug 06, 2020 8:19 am, Post On 1 July 2009, she participated in a White House ceremony at which legislation (S.614) awarding a Congressional Gold Medal to the WASP was signed into law by President Barack Obama. The four-aircraft diamond formation demonstrates the training and precision of Air Force pilots, while the solo aircraft highlight the maximum capabilities of the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Daniel Katz, 510th Fighter Squadron, Aviano Air Base, Italy, has been selected as Thunderbird 6, the teams Opposing Solo pilot. During General Newton's time in the Thunderbirds, local . By Airman 1st Class Johnathan Watts. Lucky for me, it was at Nellis. I had been around aircraft all my life, even logged some student flight time after I was 16. It is unclear what Heards current assignment is. Since the show site was separate from the takeoff site, no groundshow was conducted. Each year brings another opportunity for the team to represent those who deserve the most credit: the everyday, hard-working Airmen voluntarily serving America and defending freedom. Witnesses testified that when Heard led the Thunderbirds delta formation flyover above the Redskins game Sept. 10, 2017, they were flying at an altitude well below the minimum for a populated area, the report said. F-16 Fighting Falcons from Eglin Air Force Base fly over a high school football game in Niceville, Fla., Sept. 24, 2021. The squadron includes six pilots, who fly with the team for two years (half the pilots are replaced each year), and some 135 support personnel. In 1953 the Air National Guard of Maryland created its own aerobatic team which flew four F-51H (P-51) Mustang. The Air Force said this was his first year as a Thunderbird pilot. The Navy and Marine pilots were trained in J-3s to PT-19s before being sent overseas. "Those aspects were all new to me," he said, "and they're all fun to learnexcept for the negative Gs. Also last year, the former Thunderbirds commander, Lt. Col. Jason Heard, was relieved of command . The 2024 NBAA Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference offers the opportunity for attendees to further their professional development through up-to-date education sessions and a wide variety of networking events. https://www.instagram . The cause of the crash maybe was a birds strike as one eyewitness said, but the officials not confirmed this. The officers include two new formation pilots, an advance pilot/ narrator, a flight surgeon, and a maintenance lead. The pilot survived with major injures and was recalled from the team. From the 2009 season the Thunderbirds begin to use more powerful F-16 Block 52, which gives the pilots opportunity to perform for the first time ever in history, a diamond loop immediately after take-off. The aircraft stall and start falling. Maj. Kyle Oliver, the current Opposing Solo pilot, will transition to the Lead Solo position in 2022, replacing Maj. Michelle Curran. Red Devils flew five P-51 Mustang aircraft and existed only one year. Pilot Capt. The team flew four Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star planes and later - on the training version T-33. The diamond takes off in this order: first of course is #1, next to it in the left and back is #2, in the right and back is #3 and in the right and back from #3 is #4. The future of aviation will be driven by safety, equity, and innovation thats the message Acting FAA Administrator Billy Nolen delivered at an Aero Club luncheon. Here are all the Thunderbird Officers, their rank, position(s), and years while they were part of the team: Only Ralph Hoot Gibson comes to mind, Commander/Leader 1961-1963. As a result, absolute trust and teamwork in both our professional and personal dynamics are foundational to our mission.. We shared stories of past and present, with no other intention than to strengthen the Thunderbirds. Pages in category "United States Air Force Thunderbirds pilots" The following 10 pages are in this category, out of 10 total. Impellizzeri will replace Maj. Jason Markzon. With F-100D Super Sabre they performed 471 air demonstrations. North-American Indians has imagined a thunderbird as a sky creature resembling an eagle or a hawk which ruled the sky powers, ordered victory in the times of war, casting thunders and lightings from its eyes. NBAA is running a series on women in aviation throughout March, which is Womens History Month. Capt. Roscosmos also confirmed this morning that the damaged Soyuz MS-22, which suffered a coolant leak possibly due to a micro-meteoroid/orbital debris strike last month, will return to earth empty. EBACE2026 will bring together business leaders, government officials, manufacturers, flight department personnel, avionics firms, fractional providers, charter/lease companies and all manner of people involved in nearly every aspect of business aviation. McPeak, suffered in a crash, but he succeed to eject after his plane broke. The crash happens during take off maneuver. The industrys efforts to diversify were the topic of a keynote talk given by NBAAs Jo Damato, CAM, at the National Training Aircraft Symposium at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, FL. Officers serve a two-year assignment with the squadron, while enlisted personnel serve three to four. Its last show with F-4E Phantom was on Nov 10, 1973. The solo pilots perform maneuvers that showcase the maximum capabilities of the F-16 aircraft. But for needs of the Thunderbirds radio and navigation equipment was moved on the front cabin, the control lever in the back cabin was removed, the vertical stabilizer of slot #4 was covered with steel and looks like painted in black (actually it is fumigated by #1 exhaust gases). Lt. Col. Kevin Walsh, who was the Thunderbirds' operations officer, assumed command of the team after Heard was relieved. This trip provides the team a month of air show practice in different conditions and terrains. Heard also intentionally took a diamond formation of Thunderbirds supersonic while en route to the Royal International Air Tattoo, the worlds largest military air show, in July 2017, witnesses told investigators.