Air Combat Command’s demonstration squadron, the Thunderbirds, is scheduled to perform more than 70 aerial demonstrations in 27 states—a busy schedule and one that will also include the unit’s first female pilot, Capt. Nicole Malachowski. The T Birds are already looking beyond 2006 to the 2007-08 season, for which officials say they need seven new officers to replace those rotating off the team. It’s a two-year gig. Read more here.
The rate of building B-21 bombers would speed up if the fiscal 2026 defense budget passes. But it remains unclear how much capacity would be added, and whether the Air Force would simply build the bombers faster, or buy more.