Originally posted by Suave
Yeah I noticed that too sandman. It's funny, you would think one of the other woman pilots who were in the thunderbirds before she was would've been named "first woman pilot in thunderbirds". Just can't trust what you read anymore.
The following is an official USAF press release, do you have more credible info?
culero
PRESS RELEASE -- Secretary of the Air Force, Office of Public Affairs
Release No. 070605
June 16, 2005
Thunderbirds' first female pilot announced with new 2006 pilots
NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. - The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, "Thunderbirds," have announced their new pilots for the 2006 demonstration season which includes the
first female demonstration pilot in the 52-year history of the Thunderbirds.Leading the team as Thunderbird no. 1, commander/leader, will be Lt. Col. Kevin Robbins, currently assigned to Air Force Weapons School, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada.
Joining the Thunderbirds in the no. 3 right wing position will be Capt. Nicole Malachowski, currently assigned to the 494th Fighter Squadron, RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom.
Captain Malachowski will turn a new page in history as the first female demonstration pilot on a U.S. military high performance jet team. The 2006 no. 6 pilot, flying the opposing solo position, will be Capt. Ed Casey, currently assigned to the 56th Training Squadron, Luke Air Force Base, Ariz.
The new advance pilot/narrator, Thunderbird no. 8, the voice of the Thunderbirds, will be Capt. Tad Clark, currently assigned to the 52nd Operations Support Squadron, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany.
Returning members of the 2005 team who will round out the 2006 team include: Maj. Rusty Keen, Thunderbird No. 2, left wing; Maj. Steve Horton, Thunderbird No. 4, Slot; Maj. Brian Farrar, Thunderbird No. 5, lead solo; Maj. Jeremy Sloane, Thunderbird No. 7, Operations Officer; Capt. Todd Randolph, Thunderbird No. 10, Executive Officer; and Capt. Angela Johnson, Thunderbird No. 12, Public Affairs Officer. The team is also in the process of interviewing a new Thunderbird No. 9, the Flight Surgeon and a new Thunderbird No. 11, the Maintenance Officer.
The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron is an Air Combat Command unit comprised of eight pilots (including six demonstration pilots), four support officers, four civilians and about 120 enlisted Airmen performing in more than 29 career specialties.
A Thunderbirds' demonstration is a mix of six aircraft, performing formation flying and solo routines. The four-aircraft diamond formation demonstrates the training and precision of Air Force pilots, while the solos highlight the maximum capabilities of the Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon.
The team's first performance was June 8, 1953 at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. Since then, the Thunderbirds have flown before more than 310 million people at 3,944 air demonstrations in all 50 states and more than 60 foreign countries.
For more information, contact a member of the Thunderbirds' Public Affairs staff at (702)652-9902; (702)652-7200 or (702)378-7951.
Try these U.S. Air Force news products:
Air Force Report -- daily 1-minute TV news from around the Air Force, produced Monday through Friday.
Airman Magazine -- a monthly magazine of in-depth news and features showcasing America's Air Force.
Around the Air Force Television -- daily 4.5-minute TV newscast.
Around the Air Force Radio -- daily 5-minute radio newcast produced Monday through Friday.
Air Force Policy Letter Digest -- policy news from throughout the Air Force.
Air Force Press Releases -- news releases on current Air Force issues and events.
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