The first woman to lead the Air Combat Command F-16 Viper demonstration team was removed from her position Monday after two weeks on the job, according to the Air Force.
Col. Derek O’Malley, the 20th Fighter Wing commander at Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina, said that he “lost confidence” in Capt. Zoe Kotnik’s leadership, but didn’t say what led to his decision.
“I removed Capt. Kotnik from her position as the commander of the Viper Demo team [Monday], because I lost confidence in her ability to lead the team.” O’Malley said in a statement. “I know that loss of confidence is a common response from the Air Force, whenever someone is removed from a command position, and I think it’s important to understand why we take this approach.”
“It was exciting to have the first female demo team pilot here at Shaw, but I’m also just as excited about the many other females that are serving with great distinction across our Air Force,” O’Malley added. “I’m proud to serve with them, and I’m inspired by them. Even as I speak, another female pilot from the 20th Fighter Wing is flying combat missions in the Middle East.”
O’Malley acknowledged that Kotnik’s removal would take a toll on her, but noted that “she’s surrounded by wingmen that will help her every step of the way.”
Kotnik, whose call sign was “SiS,” graduated from the Air Force Academy in 2011 and was deployed in South Korea for a year, from 2015-2016. She’s also participated in air defense missions for a U.S.-Canadian military operation known as Operation Noble Eagle.
A spokesperson for the 20th Fighter Wing said Kotnick’s removal means she will not perform with the team, but will still serve in a “non-supervisory” capacity with the wing, according to the Air Force Times. Maj. John “Rain” Waters, who was the Viper demo pilot last year, will lead the Viper demo team now.
The Viper demo team conducts precision aerial maneuvers at various air shows. Their first air shows for the year are scheduled for March 30-31 in Key West, Fla.
