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F-16 airshow season kicks off

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jensen Stidham
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  The F-16 Viper Demo Team air show season kicks off in Melbourne, Florida March 21.

After being grounded for almost three years, Capt. Craig "Rocket" Baker, VDT pilot, is leading the way for the high-flying demonstration.

The newly named team has put in hundreds of hours in preparation for their upcoming air show season.

"I am very proud that I was selected for this team," said Tech. Sgt. John Crow, VDT avionics technician. There are only four maintenance slots so I know that I am considered one of the best by being selected for this team."

Being the best, means this team will put in the work to accomplish their mission at all costs.

"We put in a ton of work," said Staff Sgt. Joshua Tesch, VDT crew chief. "We are working 10 to 12 hours every day. There are our normal inspections and maintenance, plus all of the behind the scenes work that needs to be done, organizing trips and things that help the team operate smoothly."

Before the high-flying team could take to the skies for the 2015 air show season, they participated in the Heritage Flight Certification and Training Course at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona which provided the team unique opportunities throughout eight sorties.

"The team went out to get training on flying Heritage Flight formations with dissimilar aircraft types," said Master Sgt. Aaron Smith, VDT NCO in charge. "Capt. Baker learned to fly a high speed jet in formations with aircraft that have a cruising speed of one-third to one-fourth less than the viper. Also, we got to fly our demonstration profile for Gen. Hawk Carlisle, Commander of Air Combat Command, to get our show certified for the upcoming season."

With a population of more than 75,000 people, Melbourne Fl. will be the first of the 16-show season.

"It is a great chance to reconnect with the American public and show them the capabilities of the jets and their pilots," said Smith. "Capt. Baker will absolutely blow the crowd away with the aerobatics he will perform."

Flying from the east coast to the west coast and all the way up to Canada, the F-16 Viper Demo Team is ready to hit the skies.

"We are going to show them a demo that's loud, proud, and their face," said Crow. "Something they won't soon forget."