Kotnik was relieved of her command on Tuesday by her superior, 20th Fighter Wing commander Col. Derek O'Malley, who was said to have "lost confidence in her ability to lead the team," according to an Air Combat Command press release cited by the Air Force Times. She was replaced by Maj. John Waters, who had commanded the team before Kotnik.
A 20th Fighter Wing spokesperson told the portal that Capt. Kotnik would no longer be performing with the demonstration team, but "continue to serve in a non-supervisory role". The Air Force's press service did not comment on what led to Kotnik's sudden demotion, citing privacy concerns.
In a post on the Vipers' official Facebook page, Commander O'Malley alluded to "mistakes" made by Kotnik, adding that he wanted her to "have the opportunity to learn from them without being under public scrutiny and continue to be a part of this great service".
"It was exciting to have the first female demo team pilot here at Shaw [AFB] but I'm also just as excited about the many other females that are serving with great distinction across our Air Force," O'Malley stressed.
However, Kotnik's sudden sacking and the lack of a detailed explanation led to a flood of comments on social media, with users speculating as to just what the captain could have done to deserve such a demotion, and blasting the Air Force's decision, calling it "odd," "sad and unfortunate."
The irony of this part of the statement is incredible, given the public nature of the removal from post..! pic.twitter.com/WFmNdarGl0
— Peter Reoch (@PeterReoch) 12 февраля 2019 г.
Seems odd to happen after only 2 weeks.
— Robin gardner (@Robingnj) 12 февраля 2019 г.
Sad and unfortunate.
— Mike Lambert (@1610captain) 12 февраля 2019 г.
Some gender equality activists theorised that Kotnik had been pushed out by the 'ole boys network'. Others challenged the assertion, however, saying the captain must have done something pretty bad for the USAF to choose to swallow the negative publicity of firing her after such a short period.
Again, this sounds like the "ole boys" pushing an unwanted and threatening person out of "the club." A truly Trumpian move.
— George M Jones (@bigduckbrooklyn) 13 февраля 2019 г.
What could she have done in just two weeks? Something is untold here. Did she use a Stealth bomber to go pick up pizzas in Milan, Italy? Likely, the "ole boy network" couldn't accept her sounds more plausible. pic.twitter.com/DKwjPFzLBr
— Richard E. Stone (@RichardEStone3) 13 февраля 2019 г.
In the military it’s not always a gender thing. Will obviously wait to hear the whole story, but from my experience, if you’re not good at your job, the military doesn’t keep you in it.
— Net of Interthings (@RentingMyths) 13 февраля 2019 г.
Whatever she did must have been pretty bad for the Air Force to want to eat this kind of bad press.. otherwise there's going to be some outrage to answer to. https://t.co/7upcBzulwV via @fightersweep
— Alex Hollings (@AlexHollings52) 12 февраля 2019 г.
The thing is there is this narrative that you're going to have these women who are woke delicate roses working these jobs but the reality is they will be pretty rough like the guys, and will do the same dumb stuff that the rest of us do.
— Jack Murphy (@JackMurphyRGR) 12 февраля 2019 г.
As expected, many spewed one-liners from the 1986 Tom Cruise film Top Gun, thanking Kotnik for her service and saying she could be their "wing woman anytime."
Capt. Zoe Kotnik is a real hero.. She can be my wing woman anytime.. pic.twitter.com/RyWUEfXiNM
— Peter (@spankmeharder14) 12 февраля 2019 г.
Other veterans recalled their service in branches of the military, praising the bravery and perseverance of their female counterparts and wishing Kotnik luck.
Had female gunners in Iraq. I’d take them over guys any day. Good luck to her getting what she needs out of this and getting back in command.
— Jeramey Bullock (@JerameyBullock) 13 февраля 2019 г.
Good luck Ma’am!
Capt Zoe Kotnik you are the best and an inspiration to me as a woman. The fact that you were the first female pilot to head Air Combat Command F-16 Viper is a accomplishment alone. Your are the elite! Having family served from all branches. I salute you Capt Zoe Kotnik.
— Alexandria Wells (@Alexand67844776) 12 февраля 2019 г.
