MEET ROB NOVOTNY.
Rob recently completed a highly distinguished career in the United States Air Force as a General officer, career fighter pilot, and combat commander. Throughout his award-winning tenure, he has succeeded in numerous high-level positions around the globe.
In his final assignment, he was the Commander of the 57th Wing at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, and in this capacity, he oversaw nearly 5,000 Active Duty, government civilian, union, and contract employees responsible for the safe operation of the nation’s most advanced aerial combat exercises.
Furthermore, he was charged with managing the US Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known throughout the world as the “Thunderbirds.”
Rob was the architect of the incredibly popular “American Strong” joint US Air Force “Thunderbirds” and US Navy “Blue Angels” display teams flybys across America during the COVID-19 Pandemic crisis.
With more than 100 million viewers and over 13 Billion social media interactions, Rob narrated the events live on MSNBC and four other TV networks, bringing hope to the Nation when needed most.
Before his posting at Nellis Air Force Base, Rob commanded the historic 48th Fighter Wing in the United Kingdom. During his tenure, he successfully led the entire installation as city manager to include the most active American airbase in Europe with over 80 combat aircraft, three fire departments, five schools (K-12), two police departments, and more than 10,000 American and British tenants across dormitories, housing, and recreational facilities.
Additionally, he led three Presidentially-directed strikes into Libya targeting some of the most dangerous ISIS fighters bound for Europe. For their achievements, Rob and his wife Dawn were named the best Wing Command team in all of Europe in 2015.
Finally, as an accomplished Operational Test Pilot, with over 2,800 flight hours in 12 different airframes, Rob has been involved in numerous test, development, and acquisition programs to include the F-22 Raptor, F-35 Lightning II, Next Generation Air Dominance platform, and the Advanced Battle Management System.
When called to lead the entire US Air Force Operational Test program, Rob successfully delivered the very first F-35 fighters to Air Combat Command. He has held numerous command and staff postings both in the United States and internationally.