Luke officer selected to Thunderbirds

  • Published
  • By Tech Sgt Janet Haliburton
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz --  Officials of the Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, commonly known as the Thunderbirds, announced incoming officer selections for the 2009 demonstration season June 2. 

Capt. Jamie Rempel, 56th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron officer in charge from Luke Air Force Base will join the team as the maintenance officer and Thunderbird No. 11. 

"The very first time I saw the Thunderbirds was at my graduation from the Air Force Academy May 30, 2001," Captain Rempel said. "They flew over us as we tossed our hats in the air, which was very cool and memorable." 

Captain Rempel started her pursuit to join the Thunderbirds when she was a maintenance officer at Langley Air Force Base, V.A. 

"I mostly pursued it because I love my job and I love the Air Force, and I thought what better way to tell people about that then to serve on the Thunderbirds," Captain Rempel said. 

Captain Rempel competed against two other finalists for the maintenance officer position. 

"Each person and position is carefully selected based on the individual's record of performance, capabilities in their particular field and a demonstrated commitment to excellence that matches the Airmen we represent every day," said Lt. Col. Greg Thomas, Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron and Thunderbird No. 1. 

Captain Rempel interviewed as a finalist at Charleston Air Force Base, S.C. and then flew to Nellis AFB, Nev. to meet the homestead crew. 

"Each year we have dozens of highly capable Airmen apply for each position," Colonel Thomas said. "We select the most qualified individuals to join the team based on their overall capabilities and ability to represent all Airmen." 

The Thunderbirds are currently touring in their 55th year as the Air Force's premier jet demonstration team. The 130-person squadron represents more than 500,000 active-duty, Guard and Reserve Airmen serving at home and abroad. 

The Thunderbirds deliver the Air Force story at air shows around the country and the world each weekend from March through November. 

"I am so excited and looking forward to the next couple of years," Captain Rempel said. "I am also very thankful for every single Airman, non-commissioned officer, senior non-commissioned officer and officer that has supported me up to this point. The support has been tremendous!" 

Captain Rempel will report for training at Nellis AFB, Nev. on Nov. 1.