Air Force
‘The honor of my life’: Air Force Thunderbirds welcome new commander
Stars and Stripes
December 7, 2025
Lt. Col. Alexander Prevendar, incoming USAFADS “Thunderbirds” commander, gives remarks at a change of command ceremony at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Dec. 5, 2025. (Yendi Borjas/U.S. Air Force)
The Thunderbirds welcomed a new commander for the 2026 and 2027 air show seasons.
Lt. Col. Alexander Prevendar assumed command of the United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron from Col. Nathan Malafa at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., on Friday, according to a service news release.
“To the 135 members of this incredible team, the United States Air Force Thunderbirds, thank you for the legacy you carry, the mission you live and the trust you’ve already shown me,” Prevendar said in the release. “It’s the honor of my life to step into this role, and it’s not something I take lightly.”
U.S. Air Force Col. Nathan Malafa, left, outgoing U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron commander, and Lt. Col. Alexander Prevendar, incoming USAFADS “Thunderbirds” commander, smile during a change of command ceremony at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Dec. 5, 2025. (Yendi Borjas/U.S. Air Force)
Prevendar, a command pilot with over 3,300 flight hours will lead the Thunderbirds’ signature flying formations to showcase the capabilities of the F-16 Fighting Falcon. He previously served as the Commander’s Action Group Chief for Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central Command).
Malafa served as Thunderbird 1 for the 2024 and 2025 air show seasons. He led the team through 125 aerial demonstrations in 59 locations and performed in high-profile flyovers at Super Bowl LVIII, Daytona 500, Indy 500 and the U.S. Air Force Academy’s graduation.
“There’s no other team I’d trust with my life more — in training, airshows or combat,” said Malafa in the release. “I’m so proud of you all and you inspire me for what is to come. Continue representing the very best of what America has to offer.”
The change of command comes two days after a Thunderbirds pilot was forced eject from an F-16C Fighting Falcon during a training mission over controlled airspace in California.
The team’s 2026 schedule is expected to be released next week and can be found here: https://www.airforce.com/thunderbirds/schedule.