First female Thunderbird takes last flight at SJ

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Brittain Crolley
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Nicole Malachowski took her final flight as the 333rd Fighter Squadron commander in an F-15E Strike Eagle here, May 8, 2013.

The final flight marks another milestone in her illustrious career, which includes being the first female pilot to be selected to any U.S. military high-performance jet team.

"My last flight in the F-15E was bittersweet indeed," Malachowski said. "It was a blue-sky day and I had the chance to fly an air-to-air training mission for the last time. All I could think about was how grateful I am to the Air Force for letting me fly the world's greatest fighter these past 14 years."

Malachowski joined the Air Force Thunderbirds in November 2005 to train as the No. 3 jet in the right-wing position in the diamond formation. During her two-year tour with the show team, she completed approximately 140 performances.

Staying true to the Thunderbirds motto, Malachowski's decorated career has proven her worthy as one of "America's Ambassadors in Blue."

She has held numerous positions of leadership, including her most recent as the commander of the 333rd FS, one of only two F-15E Strike Eagle training squadrons in the entire Air Force. As a student and instructor, she has accumulated more than 2,100 flying hours. She has also flown in support of more than 25 combat missions, including Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.

"I'm so appreciative of the men and women I've had the chance to serve with," Malachowski said. "It's been a great ride in the F-15E community."

Although Malachowski's calling as a fighter pilot has come to an end for the time being, her successful background leaves little doubt that she will flourish in her next endeavor as a student at the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island.