The United States Air Force (USAF) Thunderbirds demonstration team have announced their new officers for the 2017 season. In a press release posted to the Thunderbirds Facebook page, Commander of Air Combat Command Gen. Herbert Carlisle officially released the names of those joining the team next year.
Taking over the reigns as Thunderbird 1 will be Lt. Col. Jason Heard, Director of Operations for the 492nd Fighter Squadron at Royal Air Force Lakenheath in the United Kingdom. Thunderbird 3, the right wing pilot, will be Maj. Nathaniel Hofmann, Chief of Training and F-16 pilot with the 55th Fighter Squadron at Shaw AFB in South Carolina. Capt. Whit Collins, Chief of Training and F-16 pilot for the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron, currently stationed at Eglin AFB in Florida, will become the team’s opposing solo pilot, Thunderbird 6. The position of advance pilot and narrator, Thunderbird 8, will be filled by Capt. Erik Gonsalves, Flight Commander and A-10 pilot with the 75th Fighter Squadron at Moody AFB in Georgia. Capt. (Dr.) William Goncharow of the 59th Medical Wing, a flight surgeon currently stationed at Lackland AFB, Texas, will be the team’s flight surgeon, Thunderbird 9.
According to the press release, “The 12 officer positions on the team are two-year tours of duty. By design, the position openings are staggered, allowing the squadron to maintain continuity of experience and leadership. In 2018, Thunderbird Nos. 2, 4, 7, 10, 11, and 12 will be replaced.”
Congrats to those selected to become our next Ambassadors in Blue! We at AirshowStuff wish the team continued success and look forward to seeing the latest Thunderbirds at one of their many shows slated for 2017.
Paula Mudgett
Awesome job!!! Red White and Blue!! Thank you for your service ❤️ From Midwest City OK