Pre-flight shenanigans

U.S. Air Force Maj. Richard Smeeding, left, the Pacific Air Forces F-16 Demonstration Team pilot, executes his pre-flight inspection while Tech. Sgt. Tristan Berger, right, a PACAF F-16 Demonstration Team aerospace propulsion craftsman, reviews a technical order at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, May 22, 2017. The team travels throughout the PACAF area of responsibility to showcase the power and maneuverability of the F-16 Fighting Falcon. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Melanie Hutto)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Through inspection

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Byron Cole, Pacific Air Forces F-16 Demonstration Team dedicated crew chief, examines the F-16 Fighting Falcon during a pre-flight inspection at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, May 22, 2017. Although their show schedule keeps the team busy, this is not their primary job. They must maintain readiness to deploy and support the 35th Fighter Wing whenever is needed. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Melanie Hutto)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Hard at work

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Charlie Bolles, left, a Pacific Air Forces F-16 Demonstration Team dedicated crew chief, finishes filling a tire while Airman 1st Class Andrew Keller, right, a 35th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron avionics specialist, closes open panels on the F-16 Fighting Falcon at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, May 22, 2017. Keller is not a part of the demo team; however since the two avionics specialists were not available he had the opportunity to join the team for the Hofu Air Festival. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Melanie Hutto)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Checking pressure

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Byron Cole, Pacific Air Forces F-16 Demonstration Team dedicated crew chief, checks the tire pressure of the F-16 Fighting Falcon during a pre-flight inspection at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, May 22, 2017. The tire pressure is one of several parts checked prior to take-off, ensuring the safety of the pilot. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Melanie Hutto)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Returning to the F-16

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Kyle Blythe, left, Pacific Air Forces F-16 Demonstration Team electrical and environmental systems specialist, and Staff Sgt. Steven Pedrick, right, a PACAF F-16 Demonstration Team dedicated crew chief, walk across the flight line at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, May 22, 2017. There are three crew chiefs and four specialists on the team. Each one plays a vital role, ensuring the F-16 Fighting Falcon sustains optimal readiness for airshows across the Indo-Asia-Pacific theater. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Melanie Hutto)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Time for take-off

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Steven Pedrick, a Pacific Air Forces F-16 Demonstration Team dedicated crew chief, marshals Maj. Richard Smeeding, the PACAF F-16 Demonstration Team pilot, at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, May 22, 2017. The team's objective is strengthening the U.S. Air Force's relationship with countries in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region through showcasing the pinnacle of the Air Force’s core values: integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Melanie Hutto)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
"Punch"

U.S. Air Force Maj. Richard Smeeding, the Pacific Air Forces F-16 Demonstration Team pilot, adjusts his helmet prior to take-off at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, May 22, 2017. Smeeding is one of two operational F-16 demo pilots in the Air Force. A demonstration pilot must complete a 17-ride training program which includes flying with the instructor and flying solo prior to being certified by the wing commander. The team is then required to perform for the 5th Air Force and PACAF commanders. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Melanie Hutto)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Airpower at its finest

U.S. Air Force Maj. Richard Smeeding, the Pacific Air Forces F-16 Demonstration Team pilot, and Capt. Dakota Newton, the PACAF Demonstration Team safety observer, take-off together from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, May 22, 2017. The team spent the weekend performing at the Hofu Air Festival. The pilots returned to Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, while the runway at Misawa AB is under construction. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Melanie Hutto)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res

Maintainers sharpen Demo Team air show

Published May 26, 2017
By Staff Sgt. Melanie A. Hutto
35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- The Pacific Air Forces F-16 Demonstration Team maintainers are an elite set of professionals ensuring the F-16 Fighting Falcon is fit to fly in air shows across the Indo-Asia-Pacific theater.

“I volunteered for the position when it became available because I love my job and what better way than to show people how much I love being a maintainer,” said Staff Sgt. Steven Pedrick, a PACAF F-16 Demonstration Team dedicated crew chief. “It has been one of the most eye opening and amazing experiences in my career thus far.”

Comprised of three crew chiefs and four specialists responsible for the aircraft's avionics and electrical systems and engines, the maintainers still carry out their primary duties while not performing. In many ways, the demonstration team better prepares them to carry out their daily tasks.

Pre-flight shenanigans

Through inspection

Hard at work

Checking pressure

Returning to the F-16

Time for take-off

"Punch"

Airpower at its finest