Thunderbirds resume practice

The Air Force Thunderbirds flight demonstration team resumed practice flights April 18 following the death of fellow pilot Maj. Stephen "Cajun" Del Bagno, says team commander, Lt. Col. Kevin Walsh. “While our hearts are still heavy with the loss of our wingman 'Cajun', we know he'd want us back in the air and preparing to recruit, retain and inspire once more," he continued. The team, part of the 57th Wing at Nellis AFB, Nev., is still weighing whether it will cancel more shows in the coming weeks. On April 9, the squadron announced it would not perform at Lakeland, Fla., or the "Wings over Columbus" show at Columbus AFB, Miss. (Source: Military.com 04/18/18) Maj. Del Bagno was an F-35A instructor-pilot at Eglin AFB, Fla., before joining the Thunderbirds this year.