![\"f-16b\"](\"https:\/\/www.azuse.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/f-16b.jpg\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
![\"piloy\"](\"https:\/\/www.azuse.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/f-16-pilot-e1550072031781.jpg\")
\nAir Force Capt. Zoe “SiS” Kotnik, F-16 Viper Demonstration Team commander and pilot, smiles after a certification flight at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., on Jan. 29, 2019. Kotnik was relieved of command on Monday, Feb. 11, just two weeks after taking the team\u2019s reins, officials said Tuesday.
\nKATHRYN R.C. REAVES\/U.S. AIR FORCE<\/p>\n
Ref: 2019 Media Kit
\nThe Air Combat Command F-16 Viper Demonstration Team at Shaw AFB, S.C., performs precision aerial maneuvers to demonstrate the unique capabilities by one of the Air Force’s premier multi-role fighters, the F-16 Fighting Falcon. The team also flies in Air Force Heritage Flight formations, exhibiting the professional qualities the Air Force develops in the people who fly, maintain and support these aircraft.<\/p><\/blockquote>\nBy COREY DICKSTEIN | STARS AND STRIPES
\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Air Force Capt. Zoe Kotnik, the first female F-16 pilot to lead the service\u2019s Viper demonstration team, was relieved of command Monday, just two weeks after taking the team\u2019s reins, officials said Tuesday.<\/p>\nCol. Derek O\u2019Malley, the commander of the 20th Fighter Wing, removed Kotnik from her position after losing confidence in her ability to lead and command the demonstration team, which showcases the newest model of F-16V fighter jets at airshows throughout the country, according to an Air Combat Command statement.<\/p>\n
O\u2019Malley attempted to explain his decision in a social media post on the Shaw Air Force Base\u2019s Facebook page.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have thousands of airmen across our Air Force serving our country, and not one of them is perfect,\u201d he wrote. \u201cAs good people, like Capt. Kotnik make mistakes, I want them to have the opportunity to learn from them without being under public scrutiny, and to continue to be a part of this great service. They\u2019ll be better for the experience, and in turn, we\u2019ll be better as an Air Force.\u201d<\/p>\n
O\u2019Malley acknowledged Kotnik\u2019s removal would be tough on her, but he said she was \u201csurrounded by wingmen [who] will help her every step of the way.\u201d<\/p>\n
Capt. Alannah Staver, a spokeswoman for the 20th Fighter Wing, which is based at Shaw in South Carolina, declined to provide additional information about Kotnik\u2019s removal.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
“Lost confidence in ability to command,” the death knell of many a career, at least at the 0-5 and above levels. Hope she’s junior enough to weather the storm, and has taken on board the lessons learned. The rest of the article may be viewed here: Stars and Stripes<\/a><\/p>\n
Tip of the old chapeau to the Master Chief for the link. Thanks!
\nYour assessment of Captain Kotnik is quite correct.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"