U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, Air Combat Command Make a Change In 2026-2027 Commander Selection
With the 2025 show season a wrap and the transition already underway for the 2026 team, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and Air Combat Command have elected to make a last-minute change in the 2026-2027 Thunderbird 1 selection.
Back in April, the Thunderbirds and Air Combat Command announced Lt. Col. Daniel “Rage” Trueblood as the Thunderbird 1 selection for the 2026-2027 show seasons. Lt. Col. Trueblood currently serves as the Commander of the 77th Fighter Squadron at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina. His service includes operations Enduring Freedom, Atlantic Resolve, Freedom Sentinel, Inherent Resolve and Dynamic Force Employment across the Indo-Pacific. He is a Command Pilot with over 2,900 flight hours in the F-16, T-38, and T-6.
Today, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds announced that the team is honored to welcome Lt. Col. Alexander “Knight” Prevendar as Thunderbird 1 for the 2026-2027 show seasons, pivoting from their previous Commander selection. Prior to joining the Thunderbirds, Lt. Col. Prevendar served as Chief, Commander’s Action Group, Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central), Shaw Air Force Base, SC. He has held key leadership roles from the squadron to wing level. With more than 3,300 flight hours and 1,000 combat hours, his distinguished career includes service in operations Inherent Resolve, Spartan Shield, Freedom’s Sentinel, Resolute Support, Prosperity Guardian, Rough Rider and Midnight Hammer.
Lt. Col. Alexander “Knight” Prevendar taxiing for takeoff during Bamboo Eagle (BE) 24-1 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, January 26, 2024.
When asked about the change in 2026-2027 Commander selection, the Thunderbirds stated that “based on unique team requirements to fill the role of Thunderbird 1, the Commander/Leader of the Thunderbirds, ACC leadership made a personnel change. The team remains postured for a safe and effective 2026 show season.”
“Based on unique team requirements to fill the role of Thunderbird 1, the Commander/Leader of the Thunderbirds, ACC leadership made a personnel change. The team remains postured for a safe and effective 2026 show season.””
Joining Lt. Col. Alexander “Knight” Prevendar as 2026-2027 officer selects are Thunderbird 8, Maj. Samuel “RaZZ” Larson, Thunderbird 9, Maj. Megan “CASTRO” Berberich, Thunderbird 11, Capt. Susan “Fuego” McLeod, and Thunderbird 12, Capt. Hannah Durbin. Major Samuel “RaZZ” Larson previously served as the Commander and Demonstration Pilot for the U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team during the 2022-2024 show seasons.
For the latest regarding the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the 2026 show season, be sure to stay tuned to our website and social media.
