More than the show; F-16 demo team

by Capt. Tamara Fischer-Carter
Pacific Air Forces Public Affairs

2/20/2014 - SINGAPORE -- 

Eleven Airmen from the F-16 Demonstration Team at Misawa Air Base, Japan, arrived here Feb. 5, bringing with them a heart-racing F-16 demonstration in support of the 2014 Singapore International Airshow. 

 

"We train to safely deploy and execute a single-ship F-16 demonstration," said Capt. Ryan Worrell, Pacific Air Forces F-16 Demonstration Team commander and pilot. "Our primary region is the Pacific region from India to Alaska with many stops in between."

 

Despite the fact that the demonstration is just nine minutes long, the team is on constant parade and always on duty. 

In order to be a part of the team, the aircrew has to go through a 10-sortie validation for the pilot and safety observer, and another certification with spin-up time for the maintenance crew.

 

To showcase that training, the team performs not only in the sky, but on the ground.

 

During the preflight show, each crew member executes precise facing movements while they perform their preflight checks to demonstrate the professionalism of the Air Force.

 

"It takes a great deal of practice, precision, and accuracy and we're hard on each other to get it right," said Staff Sgt. Shane McGowen, one of the three crew chiefs from 35th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.

 

The team practices once every two weeks and performs an average of 14 shows a year. They have performed in Australia, Singapore, South Korea, Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and many locations in Japan. 

 

Being able to show the power and maneuverability of the F-16 to international audiences and traveling to different countries is a benefit the team members appreciate.

 

"It's a unique opportunity to build good relationships with [the people of Singapore] and other countries and be able to meet different people and put on a good show," said Staff Sgt. Ben Smard, 14th Aircraft Maintenance Unit crew chief.

 

Staff Sgt. Blake Wendt, 35th AMXS avionics engine specialist, agrees, "It gives us a chance to get out to different locations and experience different cultures all while showcasing aerial demos,"

 

"It's been fun; a lot of long hours and hard work but it pays off because we get to experience Singapore and meet other countries and see how they do business," said Wendt.