Thunderbird 1 returns home

“Thunderbird 1 returns home” centers on Lt. Col. Alexander Prevendar’s return to his hometown area after leading a historic flyover over the National Mall for America’s 250th birthday. Prevendar, known as Thunderbird 1 and with the call sign “Knight,” arrived Tuesday near Duluth to take part in the Thunderbirds’ visit ahead of the Duluth air show at Duluth International Airport on July 11–12. He now commands the 135-member U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron. The article says Prevendar grew up in Esko, graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in electrical engineering, and previously served as an instructor teaching T-38 and F-16 fighter jets. Six months before the event, he assumed the top role, requiring instructor experience, fighter flight experience, and at least 750 flight hours, with 2,000 preferred. On July 4, he led what he described as the first-ever aerial demonstration squadron over the National Mall, requiring special permissions.