Thunderbirds announce executive officer selection
Posted 7/20/2012 Updated 7/20/2012
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Release Number: 200712
7/20/2012 - NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- The commander of Air Combat Command, Gen. Gilmary M. Hostage III, has selected the officer who will join the United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron as "Thunderbird No. 10."
Capt. Joshua Wild, currently assigned to the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps detachment in Birmingham, Ala., will become the team's executive officer for the 2013 and 2014 demonstration seasons.
His responsibilities will include leading an executive support staff responsible for Thunderbirds cyber/knowledge operations, budget, training and force support actions for the commander.
The other 2012-2013 Thunderbirds officer selections were announced in May, but the executive officer hiring process was delayed, due to the deployment of one of the finalists. The other officers who will join the team after this year are: Capt. Joshua Beaudreaux, left wing pilot; Maj. Curtis Dougherty, slot pilot; Capt. Jason Curtis, opposing solo pilot; Maj. Tyler Ellison, operations officer; Capt. Lucas Buckley, maintenance officer; and Maj. Darrick Lee, public affairs officer.
The 12 officer positions on the team are two-year tours of duty. By design, the position openings are staggered, so the squadron maintains continuity of experience and leadership. In odd-numbered years, Thunderbird Nos. 2, 4, 7, 10, 11, and 12 are replaced.
This year marks the Thunderbirds' 59th season as the Air Force's premier jet demonstration team. From mid-March till mid-November, the team travels around the country and abroad, showcasing the integrity, selfless service and excellence embodied by American Airmen everywhere.
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