Air Force Thunderbirds select San Antonio-based pilot for upcoming season
The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the “Thunderbirds,” announced selections for the 2021-2022 show seasons on Wednesday. Maj. Thomas Werner, of the 182nd Fighter Squadron at Texas Air National Guard, will fly the No. 7 jet, serving as the team’s operations officer.
Air Force Thunderbirds
The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the “Thunderbirds,” announced selections for the 2021-2022 show seasons on Wednesday. Maj. Thomas Werner, of the 182nd Fighter Squadron at Texas Air National Guard, will fly the No. 7 jet, serving as the team’s operations officer.
Air Force Thunderbirds
The Air Force Thunderbirds, the air demonstration team, will soon have a pilot with San Antonio ties onboard.
The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the “Thunderbirds,” announced selections for the 2021-2022 show seasons on Wednesday. Maj. Thomas Werner, of the 182nd Fighter Squadron at Texas Air National Guard, will fly the No. 7 jet, serving as the team’s operations officer.
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Werner, who works out of Kelly Field, was described by the Nellis Air Force-based Thunderbirds as a “skilled” F-16 pilot with more than 2,400 flying hours, 912 of which were flown in combat during Operation Enduring Freedom.
“He will lead the team’s operations section, oversee all air space coordination and perform safety observation and ground communication with the pilots during aerial demonstrations,” the Thunderbirds announcement said.
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San Antonians were able to get a glimpse of Werner’s role last May when the Thunderbirds took to San Antonio skies as part of “Operation: America Strong” to thank COVID-19 frontline workers. KSAT reported Thunderbird 7 was the aircraft residents saw trailing the flight team for safety and photo purposes.
Werner will start with the Thunderbirds in June.
Madalyn Mendoza covers news and puro pop culture for MySA.com | [email protected] | @maddyskye
