ROME, Ga. — The Air Force A-10C Demonstration Team announced on Monday their new commander and pilot for the 2021 and 2022 air show seasons.
Capt. Haden “Gator” Fullam will pilot the A-10C Thunderbolt II and serve as the commander of the demonstration team. As pilot, Fullam will showcase the combat capabilities of the A-10, performing aerial maneuvers before the crowds.
“It’s an honor and privilege to be command this group of Airmen,” Capt. Fullam said. “The work the team does day-in and day-out is remarkable and shows the dedication and commitment we have to our mission, each other and everyone who attends the shows.”
Capt. Fullam’s Family has Served as Air Force Pilots
Fullam, a native of Rising Fawn in northwest Georgia, is a graduate of the University of Tennessee. The career A-10C pilot’s brother Jay and sister-in-law Erin also serve in the Air Force as A-10 pilots.
Nicknamed the Warthog, the A-10 demo aircraft will wear the colors of the Vietnam War-era. The new paint scheme also honors the 97 Airmen assigned to the 355th Tactical Fighter Wing who made the ultimate sacrifice or became a prisoner of war.
The names of each of the 97 Airmen don the side of the aircraft in remembrance. The A-10 Demo is based at the 355th Wing located at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona.
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Gator joined the Air Force to pay tribute to his grandfathers, each who served during the Vietnam War. Both grandfathers served as fighter pilots during Vietnam, and each were shot down during combat operations.
“The opportunity to fly an aircraft with a Vietnam War-era paint scheme is one I never thought I would have,” Fullam explained. “Every time I fly that aircraft it will have a special meaning to me, so giving the best and safest demonstrations at airshows is without question my priority.”
“What is going to make that happen is the experience and professionalism we have as a team, Capt. Fullam added.
The twin-engine jet aircraft is designed for close air support of ground forces. Its 30mm GAU-8/A Gatling gun can fire 3,900 rounds a minute. The aircraft can also survive direct hits from armor-piercing and high explosive projectiles up to 23mm.
The A-10C is currently scheduled to perform at over 20 locations during 2021. Their schedule includes a homecoming for Capt. Fullam as the team visits Rome in October for the Wings Over North Georgia air show.
(Charles A Atkeison reports on aerospace and technology. Follow his updates via social media @Military_Flight.)
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