Aviation Outlook Report: A Conversation with Current Thunderbird #4 and ERAU Alumnus, Michael “Thorny” Brewer

Presenter Information

Worldwide Campus

Presentation Type

Video

Description

Interview and Aviation Outlook Report with Thunderbird and Embry-Riddle Alumnus Michael “Thorny” Brewer on flight safety and aviation training.

Biography

Maj. Michael M. Brewer is the Slot Pilot for the United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. As Thunderbird 4, he flies the #4 jet and serves as the squadron's Training Officer and Alumni Liaison. He is in his third season with the team.

Brewer is a 2005 graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott, and commissioned from Officer Training School, Maxwell AFB, Ala. in 2010. He attended Joint Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training at Vance AFB, Okla. After completing Pilot Training as a distinguished graduate, recipient of the AETC Commander's Trophy, and Flying Training Award in 2012, Brewer served as an F- l 5E Strike Eagle pilot in multiple assignments. He has more than 1,300 hours in the F-15E, including more than 315 combat hours over Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria in support of operations Enduring Freedom and Inherent Resolve. Prior to joining the Thunderbirds, Brewer served as an F- l5E Instructor Pilot and Flight Commander, 334th Fighter Squadron, Seymour Johnson AFB, N.C.

EDUCATION

2005 Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Science, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

2011 Air and Space Basic Course, Squadron Officer College

2016 Squadron Officer School

ASSIGNMENTS

Jan 2011 - Oct 2012: Pilot Training Student, 25th Flying Training Squadron, Vance Air Force Base, Okla.

Oct 2012 - Dec 2012: IFF Student, 49th FTS, Columbus AFB, Miss.

Dec 2012 - Oct 2013: F-l 5E Student, 333rd Fighter Squadron, Seymour Johnson AFB, N.C.

Oct 2013 - Jul 2015: F-l 5E Wingman/Scheduling Officer, 494th FS, RAF Lakenheath, U.K.

Jul 2015 - Feb 2016: F-l 5E Wingman/Chief of Aircrew Flight Equipment, 494th FS, RAF Lakenheath, U.K.

Feb 2016 - Oct 2016: F-l 5E Multi-Ship Flight Lead/Chief of Aircrew Flight Equipment, 494th FS, RAF Lakenheath, U.K.

Oct 2016 - Oct 2018: F-l 5E Instructor Pilot/Flight Commander, 334th FS, Seymour Johnson AFB, N.C.

Oct 2018 - Dec 2020: Thunderbird #3, Right Wing, USAF Air Demonstration Squadron, Nellis AFB, Nev.

Dec 2020 - Present: Thunderbird #4, Slot, USAF Air Demonstration Squadron, Nellis AFB, Nev.

FLIGHT INFORMATION

Rating: Senior Pilot

Flight hours: More than 5,800

Combat hours: More than 310

Military aircraft flown: F-15E, F-16C/D, T-38C, T-6

MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS

Air Medal with oak leaf cluster

Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster

EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION

Second Lieutenant: Dec 2010

First Lieutenant: Dec 2012

Captain: Dec 2014

Major: Aug 2020

View Michael Brewer's Bio Page

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