Image: USAF
United States Air Force F-16 Viper Demonstration Team commander Capt. Zoe Kotnik was removed from command on Monday after only two weeks in the position. Kotnik, who took command of the team on Jan. 29, 2019, is the Air Force’s first female single-ship tactical demonstration pilot and was the team’s first female commander. Her first show as part of the Viper team was scheduled for March 30 at Naval Air Station Key West.
“I removed Capt. Kotnik from her position as the commander of the Viper Demo team yesterday, because I lost confidence in her ability to lead the team,” said 20th Fighter Wing commander Col. Derek O’Malley in a statement on Tuesday. “We have thousands of airmen across our Air Force serving our country, and not one of them is perfect. As 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.”
No further reason was given for Kotnik’s removal. According to the Air Force, she will no longer be performing with the Viper team, but will continue to serve in the 20th Fighter Wing in a non-supervisory role. Former Viper commander Maj. John Waters has resumed leadership.
The Viper Demonstration Team operates F-16 Fighting Falcons. Performances involve “precision aerial maneuvers to demonstrate the unique capabilities” of the multi-role fighter. The team is part of the 20th Fighter Wing, which is based at South Carolina’s Shaw Air Force Base.
