Two Spangdahlem Airmen selected to join Thunderbirds Published June 2, 2015 By Airman 1st Class Luke Kitterman 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Two Spangdahlem Airmen were recently selected to join the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, commonly known as the Thunderbirds, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., this fall. U.S. Air Force Capt. Warren Smith, 52nd Equipment Maintenance Squadron operations officer, and U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Todd Hughes, 52nd EMS phase inspection floor chief, both received news last week of their selection to the team. "This is something I have wanted for a few years now," Smith said. "In the past, the timing for me had never been perfect between assignments until this most recent opportunity. The 52nd Maintenance Group commander is a former Thunderbird maintenance officer who told me about all of the great opportunities the team provides. Everything came together and I went for it. I'm thankful I did." Smith traveled to Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., to conduct in-person interviews during his selection process this past month. Hughes on the other hand, put together a package acknowledging his accomplishments and qualifications for the position. "Letters of recommendation and my enlisted performance reports were just a few of the items included in my package," Hughes said. While the process of selection may have differed between the two, the feelings of anticipation and honor that came afterward were mutual. "This is going to be an exciting career opportunity," Hughes said. "I'm looking forward to becoming a part of the Thunderbirds' tradition and being able to show the public our aircraft during air shows." Smith agreed with the Hughes's outlook on what's to come. "Serving this team will allow me to be an ambassador for the Air Force and it payback for all that it has done for me and my family," Smith said. "The Thunderbirds directly support recruiting new Airmen, telling the Air Force story and demonstrating to the public the professionalism of all Airmen." This year marks the 62nd season for the Air Force's premier jet demonstration team and 33rd year the squadron has performed in the F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft. From March till November, the team travels to various locations in the U.S. and abroad to perform air shows. The squadron is composed of eight pilots, four support officers, four civilians and nearly 110 enlisted Airmen. Smith will act as the team's maintenance officer, referred to as Thunderbird No. 11. The 12 officer positions are two-year tours of duty while enlisted Airmen serve three to four. Hughes and Smith will report to Nellis AFB in September and October, respectively.