PACAF F-16 Demo Team

Misawa Air Base

U.S. Air Force and Japan Air Self Defense Force demonstrations teams in a group photo

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A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon taxis down the runway after completing a practice flight March 12, 2024, at Misawa Air Base, Japan. Capt. Ethan “Bantam” Smith, Pacific Air Forces F-16 Demonstration Team commander, holds practice flights to keep up with certifications allowing them to perform aerial maneuvers for public audiences and showcase the agile combat capabilities of the multi-role fighter aircraft utilized by North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies and partners around the world. The team’s primary mission is to inspire goodwill and promote positive relations between the U.S. and partner nations across the Pacific by showcasing displays of aerial maneuverability and dedication to U.S. Air Force core values. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Reft)

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon taxis down the runway after completing a practice flight March 12, 2024, at Misawa Air Base, Japan. Capt. Ethan “Bantam” Smith, Pacific Air Forces F-16 Demonstration Team commander, holds practice flights to keep up with certifications allowing them to perform aerial maneuvers for public audiences and showcase the agile combat capabilities of the multi-role fighter aircraft utilized by North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies and partners around the world. The team’s primary mission is to inspire goodwill and promote positive relations between the U.S. and partner nations across the Pacific by showcasing displays of aerial maneuverability and dedication to U.S. Air Force core values. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Reft)

Photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Reft

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon conducts aerial demonstration maneuvers during a practice flight March 12, 2024, at Misawa Air Base, Japan. Capt. Ethan “Bantam” Smith, Pacific Air Forces F-16 Demonstration Team commander, holds practice flights to keep up with certifications allowing them to perform aerial maneuvers for public audiences and showcase the agile combat capabilities of the multi-role fighter aircraft utilized by North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies and partners around the world. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Reft)

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon conducts aerial demonstration maneuvers during a practice flight March 12, 2024, at Misawa Air Base, Japan. Capt. Ethan “Bantam” Smith, Pacific Air Forces F-16 Demonstration Team commander, holds practice flights to keep up with certifications allowing them to perform aerial maneuvers for public audiences and showcase the agile combat capabilities of the multi-role fighter aircraft utilized by North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies and partners around the world. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Reft)

Photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Reft

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon conducts aerial demonstration maneuvers during a practice flight March 12, 2024, at Misawa Air Base, Japan. Capt. Ethan “Bantam” Smith, Pacific Air Forces F-16 Demonstration Team commander, holds practice flights to keep up with certifications allowing them to perform aerial maneuvers for public audiences and showcase the agile combat capabilities of the multi-role fighter aircraft utilized by North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies and partners around the world. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Reft)

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon conducts aerial demonstration maneuvers during a practice flight March 12, 2024, at Misawa Air Base, Japan. Capt. Ethan “Bantam” Smith, Pacific Air Forces F-16 Demonstration Team commander, holds practice flights to keep up with certifications allowing them to perform aerial maneuvers for public audiences and showcase the agile combat capabilities of the multi-role fighter aircraft utilized by North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies and partners around the world. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Reft)

Photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Reft

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon conducts aerial demonstration maneuvers during a practice flight March 12, 2024, at Misawa Air Base, Japan. Capt. Ethan “Bantam” Smith, Pacific Air Forces F-16 Demonstration Team commander, holds practice flights to keep up with certifications allowing them to perform aerial maneuvers for public audiences and showcase the agile combat capabilities of the multi-role fighter aircraft utilized by North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies and partners around the world. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Reft)

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon conducts aerial demonstration maneuvers during a practice flight March 12, 2024, at Misawa Air Base, Japan. Capt. Ethan “Bantam” Smith, Pacific Air Forces F-16 Demonstration Team commander, holds practice flights to keep up with certifications allowing them to perform aerial maneuvers for public audiences and showcase the agile combat capabilities of the multi-role fighter aircraft utilized by North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies and partners around the world. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Reft)

Photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Reft

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon conducts aerial demonstration maneuvers during a practice flight March 12, 2024, at Misawa Air Base, Japan. Capt. Ethan “Bantam” Smith, Pacific Air Forces F-16 Demonstration Team commander, holds practice flights to keep up with certifications allowing them to perform aerial maneuvers for public audiences and showcase the agile combat capabilities of the multi-role fighter aircraft utilized by North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies and partners around the world. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Reft)

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon conducts aerial demonstration maneuvers during a practice flight March 12, 2024, at Misawa Air Base, Japan. Capt. Ethan “Bantam” Smith, Pacific Air Forces F-16 Demonstration Team commander, holds practice flights to keep up with certifications allowing them to perform aerial maneuvers for public audiences and showcase the agile combat capabilities of the multi-role fighter aircraft utilized by North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies and partners around the world. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Reft)

Photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Reft

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon conducts aerial demonstration maneuvers during a practice flight March 12, 2024, at Misawa Air Base, Japan. Capt. Ethan “Bantam” Smith, Pacific Air Forces F-16 Demonstration Team commander, holds practice flights to keep up with certifications allowing them to perform aerial maneuvers for public audiences and showcase the agile combat capabilities of the multi-role fighter aircraft utilized by North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies and partners around the world. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Reft)

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon conducts aerial demonstration maneuvers during a practice flight March 12, 2024, at Misawa Air Base, Japan. Capt. Ethan “Bantam” Smith, Pacific Air Forces F-16 Demonstration Team commander, holds practice flights to keep up with certifications allowing them to perform aerial maneuvers for public audiences and showcase the agile combat capabilities of the multi-role fighter aircraft utilized by North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies and partners around the world. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Reft)

Photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Reft

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon conducts aerial demonstration maneuvers during a practice flight March 12, 2024, at Misawa Air Base, Japan. Capt. Ethan “Bantam” Smith, Pacific Air Forces F-16 Demonstration Team commander, holds practice flights to keep up with certifications allowing them to perform aerial maneuvers for public audiences and showcase the agile combat capabilities of the multi-role fighter aircraft utilized by North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies and partners around the world. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Reft)

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon conducts aerial demonstration maneuvers during a practice flight March 12, 2024, at Misawa Air Base, Japan. Capt. Ethan “Bantam” Smith, Pacific Air Forces F-16 Demonstration Team commander, holds practice flights to keep up with certifications allowing them to perform aerial maneuvers for public audiences and showcase the agile combat capabilities of the multi-role fighter aircraft utilized by North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies and partners around the world. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Reft)

Photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Reft

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon rolls into aerial demonstration maneuvers during a practice flight March 12, 2024, at Misawa Air Base, Japan. Capt. Ethan “Bantam” Smith, Pacific Air Forces F-16 Demonstration Team commander , holds practice flights to keep up with certifications allowing them to perform aerial maneuvers for public audiences and showcase the agile combat capabilities of the multi-role fighter aircraft utilized by North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies and partners around the world. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Reft)

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon rolls into aerial demonstration maneuvers during a practice flight March 12, 2024, at Misawa Air Base, Japan. Capt. Ethan “Bantam” Smith, Pacific Air Forces F-16 Demonstration Team commander , holds practice flights to keep up with certifications allowing them to perform aerial maneuvers for public audiences and showcase the agile combat capabilities of the multi-role fighter aircraft utilized by North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies and partners around the world. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Reft)

Photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Reft

U.S. Air Force Capt. Stephen “Booster” Bost, Pacific Air Forces F-16 Demonstration Team safety officer, and Tech. Sgt. Matthew “Jaws” Kronick, PACAF F-16 Demonstration Team assistant superintendent, observe aerial maneuvers and communicate with the F-16 Fighting Falcon demonstration pilot during a practice flight March 12, 2024, at Misawa Air Base, Japan. The team conducted the aerial demonstration practice to ensure flight certifications and safety requirements are fulfilled for upcoming airshows. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Reft)

U.S. Air Force Capt. Stephen “Booster” Bost, Pacific Air Forces F-16 Demonstration Team safety officer, and Tech. Sgt. Matthew “Jaws” Kronick, PACAF F-16 Demonstration Team assistant superintendent, observe aerial maneuvers and communicate with the F-16 Fighting Falcon demonstration pilot during a practice flight March 12, 2024, at Misawa Air Base, Japan. The team conducted the aerial demonstration practice to ensure flight certifications and safety requirements are fulfilled for upcoming airshows. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Reft)

Photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Reft

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Matthew “Jaws” Kronick, Pacific Air Forces F-16 Demonstration Team assistant superintendent, monitors radio chatter during a practice flight March 12, 2024, at Misawa Air Base, Japan. The team’s primary mission is to inspire goodwill and promote positive relations between the U.S. and partner nations across the Pacific by showcasing displays of aerial maneuverability and dedication to U.S. Air Force core values. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Reft)

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Matthew “Jaws” Kronick, Pacific Air Forces F-16 Demonstration Team assistant superintendent, monitors radio chatter during a practice flight March 12, 2024, at Misawa Air Base, Japan. The team’s primary mission is to inspire goodwill and promote positive relations between the U.S. and partner nations across the Pacific by showcasing displays of aerial maneuverability and dedication to U.S. Air Force core values. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Reft)

Photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Reft

A handheld radio owned by the Pacific Air Forces F-16 Demonstration Team prior to a practice at Misawa Air Base, Japan, March 12, 2024. The team’s primary mission is to inspire goodwill and promote positive relations between the U.S. and partner nations across the Pacific by showcasing displays of aerial maneuverability and dedication to U.S. Air Force core values. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Reft) (This photo has been altered for security purposes)

A handheld radio owned by the Pacific Air Forces F-16 Demonstration Team prior to a practice at Misawa Air Base, Japan, March 12, 2024. The team’s primary mission is to inspire goodwill and promote positive relations between the U.S. and partner nations across the Pacific by showcasing displays of aerial maneuverability and dedication to U.S. Air Force core values. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Reft) (This photo has been altered for security purposes)

Photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Reft

Master Sergeant Christian Grimes was the Pacific Air Forces F-16 Demonstration Team superintendent.

Master Sergeant Christian Grimes was the Pacific Air Forces F-16 Demonstration Team superintendent.

Photo by Senior Airman Brieana E. Bolfing

U.S. Air Force Capt. Ethan “BANTAM” Smith, Pacific Air Forces F-16 Demonstration Team pilot, performs an aerial demonstration during a practice at Misawa Air Base, Japan, June 6, 2023. As the premier U.S. aerial demonstration team in the Indo-Pacific region, the PACAF F-16 Demonstration Team exemplifies the caliber of Airmen and combat airpower the U.S. Air Force provides to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brieana E. Bolfing)

U.S. Air Force Capt. Ethan “BANTAM” Smith, Pacific Air Forces F-16 Demonstration Team pilot, performs an aerial demonstration during a practice at Misawa Air Base, Japan, June 6, 2023. As the premier U.S. aerial demonstration team in the Indo-Pacific region, the PACAF F-16 Demonstration Team exemplifies the caliber of Airmen and combat airpower the U.S. Air Force provides to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brieana E. Bolfing)

Photo by Senior Airman Brieana E. Bolfing

U.S. Air Force Capt. Jacob “Primo” Impellizzeri, left, the Pacific Air Forces F-16 Fighting Falcon Demonstration Team commander and pilot, and Maj. Richard “Punch” Smeeding, right, a former PACAF F-16 Demo Team commander, pause for a photo on a mountain in Christchurch, New Zealand, March 27, 2019. In Impellizzeri’s free time, he enjoys hiking, skiing, hunting, boating, fishing and snowboarding. (Courtesy photo)

U.S. Air Force Capt. Jacob “Primo” Impellizzeri, left, the Pacific Air Forces F-16 Fighting Falcon Demonstration Team commander and pilot, and Maj. Richard “Punch” Smeeding, right, a former PACAF F-16 Demo Team commander, pause for a photo on a mountain in Christchurch, New Zealand, March 27, 2019. In Impellizzeri’s free time, he enjoys hiking, skiing, hunting, boating, fishing and snowboarding. (Courtesy photo)

Photo by Senior Airman Collette Brooks

U.S. Air Force Capt. Jacob “Primo” Impellizzeri, center right, the Pacific Air Forces F-16 Fighting Falcon Demonstration Team commander and pilot, pauses for a photo with retired U.S Air Force Col. George Rice, left, his maternal grandfather, and former U.S. Air Force Capt. Ken Impellizzeri, center, his father, and former Cpl. U.S. Army Air Corps Donald Impellizzeri, right, his paternal grandfather, after his commissioning ceremony at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, June 8, 2012. Post-high school graduation, Impellizzeri commissioned through the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program, creating a continued family legacy of service. (Courtesy photo)

U.S. Air Force Capt. Jacob “Primo” Impellizzeri, center right, the Pacific Air Forces F-16 Fighting Falcon Demonstration Team commander and pilot, pauses for a photo with retired U.S Air Force Col. George Rice, left, his maternal grandfather, and former U.S. Air Force Capt. Ken Impellizzeri, center, his father, and former Cpl. U.S. Army Air Corps Donald Impellizzeri, right, his paternal grandfather, after his commissioning ceremony at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, June 8, 2012. Post-high school graduation, Impellizzeri commissioned through the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program, creating a continued family legacy of service. (Courtesy photo)

Photo by Senior Airman Collette Brooks

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Emily Wall, left, former lead crew chief, Capt. Jacob “Primo” Impellizzeri, center, commander and pilot, and Staff Sgt. Dane Pendzinski, right, crew chief, all with the Pacific Air Forces F-16 Fighting Falcon Demonstration Team, pause for a photo at the Aero India Air Show, India, Feb. 23, 2019. Impellizzeri and his team have travelled to South Korea, Alaska, New Zealand, India, Thailand, Guam, the United Kingdom and multiple Japan prefectures to promote cohesion, unity and friendship between the United States and its allies. (Courtesy photo)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Emily Wall, left, former lead crew chief, Capt. Jacob “Primo” Impellizzeri, center, commander and pilot, and Staff Sgt. Dane Pendzinski, right, crew chief, all with the Pacific Air Forces F-16 Fighting Falcon Demonstration Team, pause for a photo at the Aero India Air Show, India, Feb. 23, 2019. Impellizzeri and his team have travelled to South Korea, Alaska, New Zealand, India, Thailand, Guam, the United Kingdom and multiple Japan prefectures to promote cohesion, unity and friendship between the United States and its allies. (Courtesy photo)

Photo by Senior Airman Collette Brooks

Capt. Jacob “Primo” Impellizzeri, the Pacific Air Forces F-16 Fighting Falcon Demonstration Team commander and pilot, and his family pause for a photo at a local church, March 5, 2017. Impellizzeri attributes his success as a pilot to the love and support received from family, friends and his faith. (Courtesy photo)

Capt. Jacob “Primo” Impellizzeri, the Pacific Air Forces F-16 Fighting Falcon Demonstration Team commander and pilot, and his family pause for a photo at a local church, March 5, 2017. Impellizzeri attributes his success as a pilot to the love and support received from family, friends and his faith. (Courtesy photo)

Photo by Senior Airman Collette Brooks

The Pacific Air Forces F-16 Fighting Falcon Demonstration Team pauses for a photo at the 43rd Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force – Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni Friendship Day 2019 at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, May 5, 2019. U.S. Air Force Capt. Jacob “Primo” Impellizzeri, the PACAF F-16 Fighting Falcon Demo Team commander and pilot, oversees the team which consists of three crew chiefs, two avionics specialists, one electrical and engineering specialist, one engines maintainer, one superintendent and a safety observer. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Collette Brooks)

The Pacific Air Forces F-16 Fighting Falcon Demonstration Team pauses for a photo at the 43rd Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force – Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni Friendship Day 2019 at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, May 5, 2019. U.S. Air Force Capt. Jacob “Primo” Impellizzeri, the PACAF F-16 Fighting Falcon Demo Team commander and pilot, oversees the team which consists of three crew chiefs, two avionics specialists, one electrical and engineering specialist, one engines maintainer, one superintendent and a safety observer. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Collette Brooks)

Photo by Senior Airman Collette Brooks

U.S. Air Force Capt. Jacob “Primo” Impellizzeri, the Pacific Air Forces F-16 Fighting Falcon Demonstration Team commander and pilot, performs in an aerial demonstration at the 43rd Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force – Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni Friendship Day 2019 at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, May 5, 2019. Impellizzeri describes flying in the F-16 as “freeing” because the bubble canopy on top gives a 360-degree point of view of the world around him. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Collette Brooks)

U.S. Air Force Capt. Jacob “Primo” Impellizzeri, the Pacific Air Forces F-16 Fighting Falcon Demonstration Team commander and pilot, performs in an aerial demonstration at the 43rd Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force – Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni Friendship Day 2019 at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, May 5, 2019. Impellizzeri describes flying in the F-16 as “freeing” because the bubble canopy on top gives a 360-degree point of view of the world around him. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Collette Brooks)

Photo by Senior Airman Collette Brooks

U.S Air Force Capt. Jacob “Primo” Impellizzeri, the Pacific Air Forces F-16 Fighting Falcon Demonstration Team commander and pilot, checks out an F-16 at the 43rd Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force – Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni Friendship Day 2019 at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, May 5, 2019. After completing four years of Reserved Officers’ Training Corps, and earning a pilot slot, Impellizzeri attended the 56-week Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, in addition to a specialized F-16 training at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. He arrived at Misawa Air Base in 2016 and became the PACAF F-16 Demo Team commander in 2018. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Collette Brooks)

U.S Air Force Capt. Jacob “Primo” Impellizzeri, the Pacific Air Forces F-16 Fighting Falcon Demonstration Team commander and pilot, checks out an F-16 at the 43rd Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force – Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni Friendship Day 2019 at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, May 5, 2019. After completing four years of Reserved Officers’ Training Corps, and earning a pilot slot, Impellizzeri attended the 56-week Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, in addition to a specialized F-16 training at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. He arrived at Misawa Air Base in 2016 and became the PACAF F-16 Demo Team commander in 2018. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Collette Brooks)

Photo by Senior Airman Collette Brooks