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Viper Demo Team showcases capabilities at home base

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Diana Cossaboom
  • 20 Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  The Air Combat Command F-16 Viper Demonstration Team is scheduled to tear up the skies during the Shaw Air Expo and open house, “Thunder over the Midlands,” May 21-22, at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina.

Assigned to the team based out of Shaw AFB is Maj. Craig “Rocket” Baker, F-16 Viper Demo Team pilot, who will be flying the single ship demonstration.

This will be the first time since the sequestration, approximately four years ago, that the Viper Demo Team will be performing at their home station.

“It’s awesome to be able to perform in front of our friends and family, and it’s another great opportunity to share what we do with the Sumter community who are always so supportive of us,” said Master Sgt. Aaron Smith, F-16 Viper Demo Team team chief.

The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a single-seat, multi-mission fighter with the ability to switch from an air-to-air to air-to-ground role at the touch of a button. With its lightweight airframe and engine which generates 31,000 pounds of thrust, the F-16 can fly at speeds in excess of Mach 2.

During the demonstration, Baker displays the combat capabilities of an F-16, pushing the aircraft to its limits at the speed of 650 miles per hour, where he experiences nine times the force of gravity.

The team is scheduled to travel to 20 shows throughout the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico during 2016.

“Being on the demo team is one of the best experiences of my career,” said Smith. “I’ve gotten to go around the country and share what we do with many people who have not had much contact with the country. It is a true honor to do what we do.”

By having the opportunity to demonstrate the F-16’s capabilities at their home base, the Viper Demo Team will be able to give back to the surrounding community, which has shown its undying support of the base and the team.