Military celebrates 50 years of the F-16 with shows by Shaw team

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Joshua Butcher, F-16 Viper Demonstration Team non-commissioned officer in charge (NCOIC), performs post-flight checks during Airshow Atlantic in Greenwood, Canada, Aug. 22, 2024. As the NCOIC, Butcher helps lead the eight member team and oversees all maintenance actions performed on the aircraft.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Taylor "FEMA" Hiester, F-16 Viper Demonstration Team commander and pilot, performs a flyover during Airshow Atlantic at Greenwood, Canada, Aug. 22, 2024. 2024 signifies the 50th anniversary of the F-16 airframe, and the team plans to perform at around 25 shows this year, both nationally and internationally. The F-16 Vipers are based at Shaw AFB in Sumter.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Mitchell "Shadow" King, F-16 Viper Demonstration Team safety officer and support pilot, lands during Airshow Atlantic.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Mitchell "Shadow" King, F-16 Viper Demonstration Team safety officer and support pilot, performs a flyover during Airshow Atlantic at Greenwood, Canada, Aug. 22, 2024. The support pilot communicates with the demonstration pilot during their performance to ensure they are performing a safe show by scanning the area for obstacles and ensuring safe air speeds and altitudes.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Taylor "FEMA" Hiester, F-16 Viper Demonstration Team commander and pilot, performs a show launch during Airshow Atlantic in Greenwood, Canada, Aug. 24, 2024. Hiester leads a team of Airmen charged with showcasing the combat capabilities of the F-16 Fighting Falcon for millions of spectators each year.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Taylor "FEMA" Hiester, F-16 Viper Demonstration Team commander and pilot, points to the YF-16 heritage aircraft with attendees during the show.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Carter Pals, F-16 Viper Demonstration Team dedicated crew chief, performs a show launch during Airshow Atlantic at Greenwood, Canada, Aug. 24, 2024. The team travels across the U.S. and internationally to perform at air shows, enhancing community relations and positively influencing Air Force recruiting and retention.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Elias Sanchez, F-16 Viper Demonstration Team dedicated crew chief, performs a show launch during Airshow Atlantic at Greenwood, Canada, Aug. 24, 2024. The show launch demonstrates to the spectators the precision and professionalism of the maintainers on the Viper Demonstration Team.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Carter Pals, F-16 Viper Demonstration Team dedicated crew chief, performs a show launch during Airshow Atlantic at Greenwood, Canada.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Taylor "FEMA" Hiester, F-16 Viper Demonstration Team commander and pilot, performs an aileron roll during Airshow Atlantic in Greenwood, Canada, on Aug. 24. The demonstration profile can include up to 18 maneuvers, with the pilot experiencing up to nine times the force of gravity, or nine Gs, and traveling just under the speed of sound at 700 miles per hour.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Elias Sanchez, F-16 Viper Demonstration Team (VDT) dedicated crew chief, salutes during Airshow Atlantic at Greenwood, Canada, Aug. 24, 2024. The F-16 VDT performed at the airshow which celebrated 100 years of the Royal Canadian Air Force.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Carter Pals, F-16 Viper Demonstration Team dedicated crew chief, performs a show launch during Airshow Atlantic at Greenwood, Canada, Aug. 24, 2024. 2024 signifies the 50th anniversary of the F-16 airframe, and the team plans to perform at around 25 shows this year, both nationally and internationally.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Taylor "FEMA" Hiester, F-16 Viper Demonstration Team commander and pilot, performs an aileron roll during Airshow Atlantic in Greenwood, Canada, Aug. 24, 2024. The demonstration totals around 18 minutes and showcases several tactical aerial maneuvers and the air power the aircraft is still capable of 50 years after its inception.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Taylor "FEMA" Hiester, F-16 Viper Demonstration Team commander and pilot, performs a high-G turn during Airshow Atlantic in Greenwood, Canada, Aug. 24, 2024. During the high-G turn, the pilot applies full aft stick and turns the aircraft around in less than 3,000 feet being pressed into the seat at nine times the force of gravity.