More than a Show

1. Members of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbird team meticulously checks each aircraft  prior to flight. 2. Team members gather for a meeting where they discuss the days game plan. 3. Major J.R. Williams, pilot of Thunderbird #6, stands next to the aircraft before performing at the Cleveland National Air Show in 2011.

I can remember attending the Cleveland National Air Show every Labor Day weekend when I was a young child. The size, speed, and sound of the aircraft would send a chill up my spine. However, what I remember most was the show put on by the Thunderbirds. Watching these jet fighters go through their maneuvers gave me a sense of pride in being an American, knowing that individuals such as these pilots were defending our country.

I recently had the opportunity to interview Major J.R. Williams, the pilot of Thunderbird #6. Truthfully, I had no idea just how demanding the life of a Thunderbird pilot can be. While you may think that these pilots have an easy life, Major Williams was quick to point out just how much time and effort goes into becoming a Thunderbird demonstration pilot.

For example, in order to qualify as a Thunderbird pilot, an individual must have a minimum of 750 fighter/training hours and must hold the rank of captain with less than 12 years of active service time. In addition, officers aspiring to be a Thunderbird pilot must complete a comprehensive application package, with the strength of the overall application package determining those selected for a final interview.

It is interesting to note that pilots can only fly with the Thunderbirds for two years. Enlisted team members (personnel selected to maintain the aircraft) must have served in the U.S. Air Force for at least three years in order to serve a three to four year term as a Thunderbird team member.

After the final selection, new members begins their Thunderbirds assignment with a 21-day rigorous orientation and training period. In the first three weeks, new members learn about life as a Thunderbird, including the team’s long and detailed history, its heritage, mission, and squadron-specific policies. Furthermore, newly assigned personnel must personally meet every other team member in order to learn the diverse backgrounds and job specialties that make up the entire team.

As I reflect on my interview with Major Williams, the comment he made regarding how the Thunderbirds do not take lightly the opportunity to represent the nearly 700,000 active military personnel when flying their formations at local air shows got my attention.

“As I see it, not only is it important to motivate and retain those now serving our country in the armed forces, it is equally important to inspire and recruit tomorrows airmen, sailors, soldiers, and marines in our military’s future. We must promote confidence within the youth of America,” Major Williams says.

Since the inception of the Thunderbirds on May 25, 1953, approximately 325 officers have worn the distinguished emblem of America’s Ambassadors in Blue. Today, the Thunderbirds fly the F-16C Fighting Falcon and, according to Major Williams, there are no immediate plans to transition away from this plan.

So, the next time you see the Thunderbirds at a local air show, keep in mind that their performance is much more than a show.