PACAF F-16 Demo Team is set to perform in Italy for first time
The display will be held at Aviano Air Base on May 22 |
| U.S. Air Force Capt. Ethan “Bantam” Smith, Pacific Air Forces F-16 Demonstration Team pilot, performs aerial maneuvers during Iwakuni Friendship Day 25 at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, May 4, 2025. |
The Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) F-16 Demonstration Team is the premier U.S. aerial demonstration team in the Indo-Pacific region. The team has operated out of the 35th Fighter Wing, Misawa Air Base, Japan, since its inception in 1995 when it became the first demonstration team to fly the block 50 version of the F-16 Fighting Falcon.
The PCAF F-16 Demonstration Team aims to showcase the caliber of aviators and combat airpower that the U.S. Air Force provides in the Indo-Pacific region by demonstrating the capabilities of the F-16 Fighting Falcon to aviation enthusiasts around the world.
The team's primary mission is to inspire goodwill and foster positive relations between the United States and partner nations in the Western Pacific by displaying an exciting display of airmanship and dedication to the core values of the U.S. Air Force.
The powerful maneuvers are performed by Capt. Ethan J. Smith who has served in this role since 2023.
The PCAF F-16 Demonstration Team aims to showcase the caliber of aviators and combat airpower that the U.S. Air Force provides in the Indo-Pacific region by demonstrating the capabilities of the F-16 Fighting Falcon to aviation enthusiasts around the world.
The team's primary mission is to inspire goodwill and foster positive relations between the United States and partner nations in the Western Pacific by displaying an exciting display of airmanship and dedication to the core values of the U.S. Air Force.
The powerful maneuvers are performed by Capt. Ethan J. Smith who has served in this role since 2023.
While the team is rarely seen in Europe, they often participate in events in Japan and Korea. However, the 2025 schedule is a surprise as it includes a display in Italy, likely the first ever in Europe. The PACAF F-16 Demo is set to showcase the power of the Fighting Falcon at Aviano Air Base, Northern Italy, on May 22. The occasion is linked to the celebrations of the 31st anniversary of the establishment of the 31st Fighter Wing in Aviano. Unfortunately, there is bad news for aviation enthusiasts as it is confirmed that it will be a private event for base personnel or invited guests only. In addition to the PACAF F-16 Demo, the Italian Air Force aerobatic team "Frecce Tricolori" will also be performing at Aviano AB on the same day.
Aviano Air Base is an Italian military installation used by the United States Air Force. It is home to the USAF 31st Fighter Wing which includes the 510th Fighter Squadron "Buzzards" and the 555th Fighter Squadron "Triple Nickel", both equipped with F-16 Block 40 aircraft.
Written by Matteo Sanzani
Source, Images: PACAF F-16 Demo Team
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