Raptor pilot selected for Thunderbirds

  • Published
  • U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, commonly known as the "Thunderbirds," announced this week Lt. Col. Case Cunningham, 43rd Fighter Squadron, Director of Operations, will join the team as the 33rd Commander/Leader of the "Ambassadors in Blue."

"All Thunderbirds are hand-selected based on a proven record of service, capabilities in their field and a demonstrated commitment to excellence that matches the nearly 700,000 Airmen we strive to represent daily," said Lt. Col. Greg Thomas, Squadron Commander/Leader and Thunderbird No. 1.

The 2010 selection of Colonel Cunningham, an F-22 pilot, marks the first time in history a Raptor pilot has been chosen to join the Thunderbirds. Pilots selected for the team who have been flying different airframes will undergo several months of F-16 familiarization training before they begin practicing aerial demonstrations with the Thunderbird pilots.

"Each year many great Airmen apply to serve with the Thunderbirds," said Colonel Thomas. "We select the most qualified individuals to join the team based on their overall capabilities and ability to represent all Airmen."

The Thunderbirds are currently touring in their 56th year as the Air Force's premier jet demonstration team. The 130-person squadron represents 700,000 Active Duty, Guard, Reserve and Civil Service Airmen serving at home and abroad. Visit www.airforce.com/thunderbirds to learn more about the team.