![]() ![]() Seven witnesses observed the altercation, the report said, and witness testimony was consistent that Lt. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, was relieved of command Nov. Kevin Walsh, the Thunderbird's 2016-2017 operations officer, has temporarily assumed responsibility of the team until a new commander is selected, according to Air Combat Command. Jason Heard, commander of the Thunderbirds, the U.S. ![]() Heard at the time had more than 3,000 flight hours under his belt. It's about "showing them what their military is capable of," said Heard, who prior to joining the Thunderbirds, led an F-15 E squadron in combat as an expeditionary squadron commander. Air Force Academy graduation on June 2, 2016, attended by then-President Barack Obama.Ĭoincidentally, in April, Gonsalves took this reporter on a flight in Thunderbird 08.įollowing the flight, Heard told, "The Thunderbirds have a really important mission engaging the public." In 2016, the Thunderbirds had a mishap after an accidental throttle rotation led to a malfunction and subsequent engine stall that caused the No. Heard's approach to leading the team was resulting in increased risk within the demonstration which eroded the team dynamic."īoitz added, "Acting on these concerns, General Leavitt determined that new leadership was necessary to ensure the highest levels of pride, precision and professionalism within the team." "This decision was made based on inputs from throughout the 2017 show season," he said. Christopher Boitz, a spokesman for the squadron, said the leadership change was unrelated to the Dayton incident. The aircraft, valued at $29 million, was destroyed. Heard added, "From the Thunderbirds that were on scene. Gonsalves had "a lot of experience," Heard said, with 1,600 flight hours. The commander of Air Combat Command, Gen. Erik "Speedy" Gonsalves - flipped on a wet runway following a "familiarization flight" for a fellow Thunderbirds maintenance crew member.Īt the time, Heard defended Gonsalves' efforts to recover, given the circumstances. 6, was commander during one of the incidents.īefore the start of an airshow earlier this year in Dayton, Ohio, Thunderbird 08 - piloted by Capt. Heard's firing comes after two accidents involving Thunderbird aircraft in the last two years. Leavitt, of Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, said she determined new leadership was necessary to ensure the highest "levels of pride, precision and professionalism within the team." Thunderbirds Pilot Reflects Nearly a Year After Colorado Crash.Will the F-35 Be the Next Thunderbirds Jet?.Thunderbirds Gearing Up for First Overseas Trip in Years.Stricklin has only minor injuries and no one on the ground is injured. September 14, 2003: Captain Chris Stricklin ejects during a “Split S” maneuver during an airshow at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho. Peterson and Captain Mark Melancon killed during training at Indian Springs Air Force Auxiliary Field. Smith ejected from the plane, but his parachute did not deploy. Alumni membership is extended to all who served with the U.S. September 8, 1981: Lieutenant Colonel David L. May 9, 1981: Captain Nick Hauck killed during an air show at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. July 25, 1977: Captain Charlie Carter killed during maneuvers at F. > PHOTOS: Thunderbird flips on its top at Dayton Air Showĭecember 21, 1972: Captain Jerry Bolt and Technical Sargent Charles Lynn killed during a flight test. June 4, 1972: Major Joe Howard killed during the Transpo airshow at Dulles International Airport. January 9, 1969: Captain Jack Thurman killed during solo training. October 12, 1966: Major Frank Liethen and Captain Robert Morgan killed during a collision of two F-100s. Devlin killed during a three-plane formation pass. Caldwell, the Thunderbirds team leader flying the 1 (lead) position, said that revamping the team’s performance began by cutting 15 minutes from the high show, which not only. ![]() On January 25, 1964, the Air Force accepted the first Thunderbird F-105B at. Fitzgerald and Captain George Nial killed during training. Within six months, the Tactical Air Command (TAC) was eager to replace the. Crane killed during a solo proficiency flight.Īpril 6, 1961: Major Robert S. D. “Fish” Salmon killed during solo training. ![]()
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