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Ex-Thunderbird Burns returning to Nellis

Tuesday, June 7, 2005 | 8:34 a.m.

A former member of the Air Force Thunderbirds has returned to Nellis Air Force Base to train with the elite Air Demonstration Squadron after another "right wing" pilot was reassigned, the Air Force announced Monday.

Maj. Brian Burns, who flew the position of right wing man, stopped flying on May 7 citing an unspecified medical condition that was affecting his ability to perform with the Thunderbirds.

Air Force officials said Burns has since been cleared to fly, but that because of the unique and demanding safety requirements of flying close formations during aerial demonstrations, the squadron decided to have Burns reassigned.

Maj. Chris Callaghan, the 2002-03 right wing pilot, has been reassigned from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, to take Burns' place. The Thunderbirds typically fly with six aircraft, but they will continue to fly with five until Callaghan completes the training required to fly the right wingman position.

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