Strike Eagle demo team showcases capabilities, says 'thanks'

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Heather Stanton
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  Thousands of eyes are looking toward the sky; everybody is waiting, hold their breath. A soft buzz rapidly turns into the roar of engines as an F-15E Strike Eagle passes over thousands of spectators.

Wowing crowds is only a small part of what the F-15E Strike Eagle Demonstration Team at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base does.

The demonstration team, comprised of 17 Seymour Johnson officers and enlisted Airmen, performs between 20 and 35 shows a year, showcasing the Air Force and letting people know there is more to the service than flying airplanes.

"Our job is to show the capabilities of the aircraft through demonstrations," said Maj. Mike Maeder, 4th Fighter Wing demonstration team pilot.

Displaying the Strike Eagle's capabilities is one of six aspects of the team's mission. Another is demonstrating the professional competence of U.S. Air Force personnel.

"There are three main Air Force specialties on the team," said Tech. Sgt. Marc Rodriguez, 4th FW demonstration team assistant chief. "There are the crew chiefs who complete the maintenance of the aircraft, ensuring it is flight-ready for a show, and perform the main show launch. Then there are the specialists and engines Airmen who (not only perform their normal duties, but also) are the narrators and videographers during a show."

Of course there is also the pilot and weapon systems officer who perform the spectacular maneuvers in the sky.

"We couldn't do our job without (the maintenance Airmen)," said Capt. John Cox, 4th FW demonstration team WSO. "They keep the jet in top condition so we can fly."

Each member is hand selected to be a part of the team.

"The enlisted members are screened for their capabilities and how they excel in skill level and job performance," said Master Sgt. Michael Pate, 4th FW demonstration team chief. The selectees from the screening process must apply for the position, then go through an interview process before final selections are made.

As for aircrew members, there is a call for volunteers and the 4th Operations Group commander decides who is the best fit for the two-year tour.

"The primary difference between us and (non-demonstration) flyers is the job," Maeder said. "Their focus is on tactical employment whereas ours is showing off the aircraft's capabilities for recruiting and public affairs purposes."

Other aspects of the demonstration team's mission are to positively affect Air Force recruiting and retention efforts; promote community and international relations; maintain the public's trust in the armed forces; and display the technological advancements in U.S. military airpower.

The team accomplishes these aspects of their mission by not only performing at airshows and expositions around the world, but talking with people and media outlets about Strike Eagle contributions in overseas contingency operations.

"Quite often we will be scheduled where we will have the most impact," Cox said. "Take Laredo, Texas. There is no military installation around. That show is the only military exposure they may have."

"Airshow season" begins in February and comes to a close in November. Scheduling for the team, to include flyovers for sporting events, funerals and other local military-affairs events, is filtered down from Air Combat Command aerial event coordinators.

"Their job is to know how best to supply single-ship teams (to all those who requested support for an event) and schedule for each weekend," Cox said.

Team members' hometowns are also taken into consideration during scheduling, allowing members a chance to show-off what they do on a daily basis to family and friends.

The team's first show this season is Feb. 10, in Laredo.

"The demonstration team is here mainly to serve the public," Pate said. "It is the military's way of saying 'Thank you for supporting us.'"