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F-22 Demo Team prepares to wow in Wings Over the Pacific Air Show

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Alexander Martinez
  • 15th Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii --  Oahu is one of the few communities that get to see the F-22 Raptor in action on a regular basis, but at this weekend's Wings Over the Pacific Air Show, the Raptor's unique abilities will be on full display with the presence of the F-22 Raptor Aerial Demonstration Team.

The F-22 is the only operational fifth-generation fighter in the world, and has capabilities and technologies unmatched by others. Participation in air shows like Wings Over the Pacific allow the pubic to see the fighter in action.

Capt. John "Taboo" Cummings, F-22 Raptor Aerial Demonstration Team commander, said he thinks it's very important for the demo team to participate in air shows because, "This allows us to showcase the latest and greatest aircraft to the American public."

"Most of the shows we participate in are civilian air shows located in places where there's not a large military presence, so it gives us a chance to bring them a display of the best fighter aircraft in order to inspire the next generations of Airmen," Cummings said.

The Demo Team's participation in the Wings Over the Pacific Air Show is their 17th show of the 2014 season, with three more to go. Coordination varies depending on the location, and Tech. Sgt. Jonathan Billie, the demo team chief, said participation in Wings Over the Pacific was much easier than others.

"This is more of a unique show for us because normally I have to make sure all the support equipment ships in and is in place ready to go, but what we need for this show is already here and it made my job very easy," Billie said.

Billie overseas aircraft maintenance, maintenance crewmembers, personnel and equipment logistics and is also the narrator for the show while the F-22 is in the air.

The F-22 used in the show belongs to the 199th Fighter Squadron located here at Hickam.

"Coordination with the local units here has been very easy, and we've been able to prepare for the show without issues," Billie said.

Cummings said one of the best parts of being on the Demo Team is seeing the reaction from air show attendees.

"When I step out of the jet and see the line of kids with their jaws to the ground in amazement it is a great feeling," Cummings said. "I was that kid back in the day."

During the Wings Over the Pacific Air Show, an F-22 Demo Team tent will be located near the static aircraft, and will have information and merchandise available to attendees.

"Come by our tent and see what we have," Billie said. "We look forward to talking with everyone about our jet."