Laughter between strangers

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Mario Perez, a Pacific Air Forces F-16 Fighting Falcon Demonstration Team avionics technician, and an attendee of the Hofu Air Show laugh after taking a photo together at Hofu-kita Air Base, Japan, June 3, 2018. Interacting with the community is one aspect of the team's overall mission, the other being a display of the F-16's air power. In conjunction with the show schedule, team members also support of the 35th Fighter Wing's mission on a day-to-day basis. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Melanie A. Hutto)

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Hello down there

U.S. Air Force Capt. Jacob Impellizzeri, the Pacific Air Forces F-16 Fighting Falcon Demonstration Team pilot, waves to the crowd during the Hofu Air Show at Hofu-kita Air Base, Japan, June 3, 2018. Impellizzeri performed 14 maneuvers during the 15-minute display of the F-16's capabilities. These demonstrations allow the team to showcase the jet’s capabilities and engage local communities throughout the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Melanie A. Hutto)

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My right your left

Members of the Pacific Air Forces F-16 Fighting Falcon Demonstration Team, conduct a ground performance prior to takeoff for the Hofu Air Show practice at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, June 1, 2018. Due to the runway being too short for the F-16 Fighting Falcon to takeoff and land, the show was staged, meaning the jet launched from a different location than where the air show took place. The team includes one pilot, two narrators, one safety observer, a superintendent and a maintenance team composed of three crew chiefs and four specialists, responsible for the aircraft's avionics and electrical systems and engine. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Melanie A. Hutto)

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Preparing to return home

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Steven Pedrick, a Pacific Air Forces F-16 Fighting Falcon Demonstration Team crew chief, uses hand signals to communicate with Capt. Phil Bourquin, a 14th Fighter Squadron F-16 pilot, prior to takeoff from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, June 4, 2018. The team's purpose is to strengthen the U.S. relationship with countries in the Indo-Pacific region through demonstrations and interactions with airshow guests. The PACAF F-16 Demonstration Team's next performance is in Anchorage, Alaska. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Melanie A. Hutto)

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Starstruck

Capt. Phil Bourquin, a Pacific Air Forces F-16 Fighting Falcon Demonstration Team safety observer, prepares to sign a child’s hat during the Hofu Air Show at Hofu-kita Air Base, Japan, June 3, 2018. For some of the air show attendees, this was their first interaction with Americans. One of the PACAF F-16 Demo Team's priorities is to make personal contact with local nationals on and off the flight line, establishing positive relationships throughout the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Melanie A. Hutto)

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The PACAF F-16 Demo Team awes Hofu Air Show goers

Published June 9, 2018
By Staff Sgt. Melanie A. Hutto
35th Fighter WIng Public Affairs

HOFU-KITA AIR BASE, Japan -- The Pacific Air Forces F-16 Fighting Falcon Demonstration Team from Misawa Air Base, Japan, performed at the Hofu Air Show, giving approximately 30,000 spectators a front row seat to the power and maneuverability of the F-16, June 3.

One of the team's most important priorities when going to air shows is to engage with guests on a personal level. The team members dedicated several hours answering people's questions, signing autographs and taking pictures.

Immersing with the Japanese culture on and off the flight line cultivates a deeper significance in the U.S.-Japanese bilateral relationship.

The team is slated to perform in Anchorage, Alaska, next.

Laughter between strangers

Hello down there

My right your left

Preparing to return home

Starstruck