Woman joins Air Force Thunderbirds (No. 3 Right Wing Position)

[RamboLiberal]

http://www.cnn.com/2005/US/06/16/woman.thunderbird/index.html

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. Capt. Nicole Malachowski has been named the first woman pilot in the Air Force's world-famous Thunderbirds demonstration squadron.

"Women have been an integral part of the Thunderbird team for decades," Malachowski said in an Air Force press release sent out Thursday. "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."

Every year millions of spectators visit air shows to see the Thunderbirds perform precision and formation flying routines. The unit is a major component of Air Force recruiting efforts.

Malachowski, a 1996 graduate of the Air Force Academy, will fly in the No. 3 right wing position when the Thunderbirds are in their famous flying diamond formation.

[MADem]

1. Past due n/t

[Baclava]

2. Totally cool

What an accomplishment for her.

[MaineDem]

3. Way to go!

Congratulations!

And, yes, it's about time!

[supernova]

4. Yay! Congrats Capt. Malachowski!

:bounce: :bounce: [

[B3Nut]

5. Way to go!

She'll do well, I bet. I used to see the Thunderbirds every year when I lived in Battle Creek, they performed at the balloon festival. I can't count how many rolls of film I burned when they came to town. I love watching that group...amazing stuff.

Get up there and kick some butt!

Todd in Beerbratistan

[Hobarticus]

6. Oooo-rah, Captain! Congrats!