VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — If you attend the NAS Oceana airshow this weekend, you’ll get to see the Warbird Thunder airshow team — a team of two SNJ Navy trainer aircraft from WW2 and the Korean conflict.
Their demonstration shows these two aircrafts flying in formation through rolls and other aerobatic maneuvers.
The SNJ or T-6 was flown by nearly every pilot in World War II and Korea during training. More than 15,000 SNJ/T-6 aircraft were built, and it has served in more than 60 countries worldwide —many times in combat by developing countries. The aircraft was retired from U.S. military service in the 1960s but was utilized around the world much longer. In fact, the South African military utilized the T-6 until 1995.
Long time airshow fans may recognize these aircraft or pilots as they were once part of the Geico Skytypers.
They base these aircraft right here in Hampton Roads at the Hampton Roads airport which is off Rt 58. Both pilots have Hampton Roads history.
Chris Thomas is a graduate of Norfolk State University. He then spent the 1990s as a professional firefighter for the Virginia Beach Fire Department. Today, he flies for the airlines. Chris spent seven years with the GEICO Skytyper Airshow Team and served as the team’s Operations Officer. Chris was the Right-Wing Pilot in the #2 position and an alternate #4 Slot Pilot.
Chris Orr was an F14 Tomcat and A4 skyhawk pilot and at one time was stationed right here at NAS Oceana. After the Navy, Chris flew the C-130 Hercules for the New York Air National Guard. He completed two more combat tours and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel from the military with 25 years of service. Chris was also a long-time member of the GEICO Skytyper Airshow Team serving as both a Lead Solo and Wingman. Today, Chris is a Captain at a major airline and lives on Long Island with his wife and two children.
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