West Coast Demo Team flies east for Moscow Air Show

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Bryan Franks
  • 33rd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The F-15 West Coast Demonstration Team stationed with the 33rd Fighter Wing here hits the international road on Aug. 16 to highlight the F-15C air superiority capabilities to the international community. The team will perform at the Moscow Air Show in Russia and the Radom Air Show in Poland.

Eight members of the demo team, including six maintainers and two pilots, will spend nearly two weeks in Russia and Poland for the two air shows, but they will have help.

The 493rd Fighter Squadron at Royal Air Force Lakenheath will supply the F-15Cs as well as additional maintenance members and equipment. Unlike the Air Force Thunderbirds or Navy Blue Angels, the West Coast Demo team uses F-15C aircraft that do not require conversions before flying in an air show.

"There are a lot of logistical hurdles that we have to overcome when we go overseas," said Master Sgt. Peter Williams, demo team lead production superintendent. "Since we are flying over to Russia via commercial air, there is only so much we can bring from here to support our aircraft."

This is not the first time that the West Coast Demo team has flown in this arena. In 2003, the team traveled overseas to the Moscow Air Show, but because the team members change out every year, this will be a first for this years demo team outside of North America.

"I'm really looking forward to representing the Air Force and showcasing the F15C in such a unique location like Moscow," said Capt. William Bierenkoven, F15 West Coast Demo Team Pilot. "It will truly be an honor."

The Moscow Air Show is also a trade show where different countries show off their newest technologies. Although there will be multiple US aircraft on static display, Capt. Bierenkoven will be the only Air Force pilot flying and demonstrating Air Force capabilities during the air show.

The Moscow Air Show runs from Aug. 21-26, followed by the Radom Air Show in Poland, from Aug. 27-31. The Demo Team will then return to the US and gear up for their next show in Oceana, Va., Sept. 8-9.

2nd Lt. Jim Lambertsen, 33rd Fighter Wing Public Affairs contributed to this article.