VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — If you attend the NAS Oceana Airshow this weekend, you’ll have the chance to see the Warbird Thunder Airshow team — a team of two SNJ Navy trainer aircraft from World War II and the Korean War.

Their demonstration shows these two aircraft flying in formation through rolls and other aerobatic maneuvers.

The SNJ or T-6 was flown by almost every pilot during training in World War II and Korea. More than 15,000 SNJ/T-6 aircraft were built and they saw service in more than 60 countries around the world – often in combat missions for developing countries. The aircraft was retired from US military service in the 1960s but continued to be used around the world for much longer. In fact, the South African military used the T-6 until 1995.

Longtime airshow fans may recognize these aircraft or pilots as they were once part of the Geico Skytypers.

They have based these aircraft here in Hampton Roads at the Hampton Roads Airport, which is on Route 58. Both pilots have Hampton Roads experience.

Chris Thomas is a graduate of Norfolk State University. In the 1990s, he worked as a career firefighter for the Virginia Beach Fire Department. Today, he flies for the airline. Chris was with the GEICO Skytyper Airshow Team for seven years and served as the team’s Operations Officer. Chris was the right pilot in position #2 and assistant slot pilot #4.

Chris Orr piloted an F14 Tomcat and an A4 Skyhawk and was stationed right here at NAS Oceana for a time. After his time in 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 after 25 years of service. Chris was also a long-time member of the GEICO Skytyper Airshow Team, serving as both lead solo and wingman. Today, Chris is a captain with a major airline and lives on Long Island with his wife and two children.

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