Eglin’s own comes home for air show

  • Published
  • By Lois Walsh
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Major David Lemery is in his second season with the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, The Thunderbirds, as #11, the team's Maintenance Officer. Prior to joining the premier team, the major was stationed here for three years.

The University of Texas at San Antonio graduate spent his 11-year career as a maintenance officer minus a year of career broadening as the 46th Test Wing's executive officer. His time with the wing's aircraft maintenance squadron prepared him for his role of being responsible for 70 Thunderbird maintenance personnel and the 11 F-16 Block 52 aircraft assigned to the squadron.

"Eglin has time critical missions for weapons testing just as the Thunderbirds have time critical missions to travel across the country and perform airshows. The pressure is there in both jobs. The core maintenance practices are the same, we take safety very seriously so that we deliver safe aircraft to the pilots," he said. "With the Thunderbirds you are expected to perform starting on day 1; the training to accomplish this mission should have been accomplished at your previous units."

The major said when a message went out to his career field to apply for the maintenance opening, he sent in his application. Once being narrowed down as a finalist, he spent a week being interviewed and interacting with the team. Finally, the telephone rang with an offer to join the Thunderbirds.

"It definitely made my heart race, it was pretty exciting," Major Lemery said. "Being part of the Thunderbird team is a once in a life-time opportunity to represent the 700,000 men and women in Air Force, whether active duty, Guard, Reserve or civilian. It's a chance to represent those serving across the globe and to challenge myself."

Capt Mark Gray, an aircraft maintenance officer with the 46th AMXS, worked with Major Lemery while stationed here. Although he can't recall the major talking about becoming part of the Thunderbird team, he admits all maintenance officers think about it.

"There's something very special about being a member of that elite team, and becoming the Maintenance Lead is nothing short of awesome," Captain Gray said. "Every time the message comes out advertising the position, it runs through all our collective craniums and Major Lemery was no different. The timing was perfect for him to become #11."

Captain Gray said those who make the team have mastered their jobs yet still want more.

"That's what makes the T-Bird team special, a group of experts driven to raise the bar and achieve a higher standard," he said.

That standard makes Major Lemery proud. He's quick to point out the Thunderbirds have never cancelled an air show because of maintenance difficulties in their 57-year history. He said there is added incentive for the team to push towards the same goal--to showcase the pride and professionalism of America's Air Force.

Captain Gray is sure Major Lemery is the man to carry on that tradition.

"He executes the toughest tasks with precision and will never let anyone know it was a lot of work. You won't realize it until you try it yourself, and find out just how well he knows his craft," the captain said. "He is a polished officer who understands the aircraft maintenance business, that's what sets him apart."

Major Lemery is looking forward to returning to Eglin to see friends and former co-workers. He expects a great show after the three-year hiatus from Eglin as he accompanies his 70-person "family" back to the Emerald Coast.

"We're definitely a big family, I have never seen camaraderie like this, we're such a tight squadron because we're always together and rely on each other for everything," he said. "I'm very excited to be coming back to Eglin."