On Sunday I got a chance to meet Major Derek Routt. Major Routt recently made history as the first ever National Guard pilot to join the Thunderbirds as a pilot. (Other guardsmen have been part of the Thunderbirds as enlisted personnel, but not as a pilot) After this show season ends with the Aviation Nation air show at Nellis AFB, Major Routt takes over as operations officer, second in command, and will be Thunderbird number 7.

This photo is of Thunderbird number 1, Lt. Col. Greg Thomas and Major Derek Routt approaching the media area on Sunday, prior to the Thunderbirds performing later in the day.

On Sunday I got a chance to meet Major Derek Routt. Major Routt recently made history as the first ever National Guard pilot to join the Thunderbirds as a pilot. (Other guardsmen have been part of the Thunderbirds as enlisted personnel, but not as a pilot) After this show season ends with the Aviation Nation air show at Nellis AFB, Major Routt takes over as operations officer, second in command, and will be Thunderbird number 7.

This photo is of Thunderbird number 1, Lt. Col. Greg Thomas and Major Derek Routt approaching the media area on Sunday, prior to the Thunderbirds performing later in the day.