Air Force's Thunderbirds Select First Female Pilot (Wizbang)

Capt. Nicole Malachowski was selected for the 2006 U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, 'Thunderbirds,' team. She is the first female demonstration pilot on any U.S. military high performance jet team. She is from the 494th Fighter Squadron at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England. (U.S. Air Force photo)

For the first time in 52-years, the Air Force "Thunderbirds," will have a female pilot. Capt. Nicole Malachowski, of the 494th Fighter Squadron at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, joins the 2006 Thunderbird team as the first female demonstration pilot on any U.S. military high performance jet team.

She's a former runner-up homecoming queen who also lasted the longest in her Air Force Academy class in the G-force machine, passing 9 Gs. She's wanted to be a fighter pilot since childhood even, and appears to take her good looks with a sense of humor as her call sign is "Fifi." Young girls looking for a role model would do well to follow keep tabs on Capt. Malachowski's career as a Thunderbird.

"It's a great privilege to be given the opportunity to be a part of the Thunderbird team, an organization that represents the finest traditions of our Air Force. Women have been an integral part of the Thunderbird team for decades. The women of yesterday and today's Air Force maintain a tradition of excellence, and it is that heritage that has given me this exciting responsibility of being the first female Thunderbird pilot," the Las Vegas native said in a Air Force press release.

As CNN notes, just weeks after a high-profile debate about the role of women in the military, the Air Force is putting a woman in one of its most prestigious and high-profile jobs.

Compiled from wire services, The Las Vegas Review Journal, and Air Force Times

The Wizbang® Network

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Comments (11)

Wow. She sounds like a per... (Below threshold)

1. Posted by david | June 17, 2005 11:27 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

david:

Wow. She sounds like a perfect addition to the team. Very cool.

Posted on June 17, 2005 11:27

She's a hottie, too! She's ... (Below threshold)

2. Posted by Yankee Sailor | June 17, 2005 1:18 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

Yankee Sailor:

She's a hottie, too! She's a hottie, too!

Posted on June 17, 2005 13:18

Damn keyboard gremlins!... (Below threshold)

3. Posted by Yankee Sailor | June 17, 2005 1:21 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

Damn keyboard gremlins!

Posted on June 17, 2005 13:21

My bird wants to thunder he... (Below threshold)

4. Posted by McCain | June 17, 2005 1:54 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

McCain:

My bird wants to thunder her.

Posted on June 17, 2005 13:54

Admit it, the story would b... (Below threshold)

5. Posted by Aaron's cc: | June 17, 2005 2:24 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

Aaron's cc::

Admit it, the story would be funnier with the sentence: She's a former runner-up homecoming queen who also lasted the longest in her Air Force Academy class in the G-spot machine...

Posted on June 17, 2005 14:24

Okay, we've crossed a line.... (Below threshold)

6. Posted by Yankee Sailor | June 17, 2005 2:36 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

Okay, we've crossed a line....

Aaron, consider yourself counseled.

Posted on June 17, 2005 14:36

I'd like to see the gal who... (Below threshold)

7. Posted by Alec | June 17, 2005 5:07 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

Alec:

I'd like to see the gal who bested her in the homecoming competition.

Posted on June 17, 2005 17:07

Fantastic.... (Below threshold)

8. Posted by Will Franklin | June 18, 2005 3:19 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

Will Franklin:

Fantastic.

Posted on June 18, 2005 15:19

YS,Aw, frigate.<br /... (Below threshold)

9. Posted by Aaron's cc: | June 19, 2005 3:16 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

YS,
Aw, frigate.
Aaron

Posted on June 19, 2005 03:16

She will be a great additio... (Below threshold)

10. Posted by V.K. Suzuki. | September 20, 2005 11:39 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

V.K. Suzuki.:

She will be a great addition to the team. I think if she hangs in there, She will be the first four star General, Capt Malachowski, We salute you.

Posted on September 20, 2005 11:39

I know this is late, but I ... (Below threshold)

11. Posted by Michelle | June 12, 2006 4:45 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

Michelle:

I know this is late, but I just saw this. It is very fantastic to see a woman. I just saw the Thunderbirds today at Hill Air Force Base in Utah and was very pleased and excited. I am hoping to fly oneday and maybe follow Nicole's footsteps. Congratulations Nicole!

Posted on June 12, 2006 04:45

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