Tyndall Airman selected for Thunderbirds

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Veronica McMahon
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, commonly known as the "Thunderbirds," recently announced incoming officer selections for the 2011 demonstration season, and one of the selectees is from Tyndall.

Major Jason Moore, 325th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron maintenance operations officer, will serve as the maintenance officer, Thunderbird No. 11., for the next two years, traveling and training with the team.

"I was extremely excited and also relieved to finally receive the news that I had been selected as a member of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds," said Major Moore.

Major Moore applied for the position in March and went through a five-day interview process while the Thunderbirds were at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. for the recent air show. Originally there were seven applicants which were narrowed down to three for the interviewing process. The interview process had the applicants shadow the team as well as be interviewed by the Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. wing commander, the Thunderbird commander, and the Air Warfare Center commander.

He received the exciting e-mail June 7, naming him for the position. Major Moore has been stationed at Tyndall since October 2008, in the 325th AMXS. He will be relocating to Nellis AFB with his wife Jennifer and his 16-month old daughter, Madelyn. Training begins in November and ends in March, just before the new season kicks off for the summer.

"It truly is a once in a lifetime opportunity to be given the chance to be part of such a proud legacy," Major Moore said. "Working with a team of such consummate professionals, and representing the Air Force to the American public is an honor and privilege."

Major Moore earned his commission from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 2000. He has been stationed at Dover Air Force Base, Del., Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., and Langley Air Force Base, Va. He has served not only as a maintenance officer, but also as a project manager, officer in charge and as a flight commander. While at Langley, he further operationalized the F-22A Raptor through many deployments, one mission, and joint operations. In addition to the F-22, his weapon system experience includes the F-15C/D Eagle.

However, it's more than just his on-the-job expertise that led to his selection.

"I think there are many factors that led to his selection," said Chief Master Sgt. Duane Wright, 325th AMXS chief. "For one, he is in great physical condition, making him an outstanding Air Force role model in the public eye while in uniform. He is dedicated to knowing aircraft maintenance management giving him the ability to lead effectively. His character is top-notch, and this is why his leadership direction is extremely effective in generating safe, disciplined, professional maintenance to execute the 325th Fighter Wing mission daily."

Making the transition to Nellis AFB is a big change, but it is something the major said he is "excited to do because it is so important to the Air Force."

"I look forward to having the opportunity to demonstrate to the public the professional competence of our Air Force Airmen," said Major Moore. "And to be able to represent all the hard working Airmen that are at home, overseas and deployed."

And the 325th leadership agree he will be a great addition to the team.

"It was no surprise that Major Moore was selected for the Thunderbirds as their official maintenance officer," said Col. Bradley McCoy, 325th FW vice commander. "Major Moore has been a wonderful asset to the wing and I have no doubt he will serve the Thunderbirds as well as he has served us at Tyndall."