I was invited by the 20th Fighter Wing PA office to attend the media demonstration of the newly re-certified F-16 Viper Demonstration Team at Shaw AFB in Sumter, SC. Shaw is home to the 20th Fighter Wing and they have participated, with honor and valor, in operations across the globe. Unlike the graceful smoke filled demonstration of the USAF Thunderbirds, the Viper Demo is a real “kick the tires and light the fires” show about the combat capability of the F-16CJ Fighting Falcon. Built by General Dynamics and powered by a General Electric engine that produces 31,000 pounds of thrust, the Viper will take your breath, rock your world and deafen your ears…and that’s just what you get from sitting in the bleachers! That single engine produces more horsepower than the entire starting field at the Daytona 500. Captain Craig “Rocket” Baker put on a real show and even joked afterwards that it takes him a few minutes to get his legs back underneath him…I can only imagine! So enjoy the pictures…just wish they came with the sound and feel of being there.
