The F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team heads to Oshkosh, Wisconsin for the ‘Super Bowl’ of air shows, July 22-28, 2019. Attracting over 500,000 spectators from 80 different countries, while bringing in over 10,000 aircraft, EAA AirVenture holds the title as the largest air show in the world.
Based out of Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, the F-22 Demo Team travels to 20 air shows each season to showcase the performance and capabilities of the world’s premier 5th-generation fighter aircraft. The Raptor was last seen at Oshkosh back in 2015 and will be making its return as part of this year’s air show theme, ‘The Year of the Fighter.’
“We are all thrilled to be headed to Oshkosh and have been looking forward to the show for the entire season,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Paul Lopez, F-22 Demo Team commander. “Getting to reconnect with many of the performers we’ve met at previous shows while being a part of this year’s fighter theme are what I am most looking forward to.”
With origins dating back 60 years ago, AirVenture has evolved from a small gathering of aircraft and aviators into a grand, weeklong event known as ‘The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration.’
U.S. Air Force Capt. Adam Resch, F-22 Demo Team safety observer, grew up just 15 minutes from Oshkosh, and is looking forward to bringing his family out to see his team in action. “Looking back, I remember the excitement I felt as a kid while watching the air show and all of the planes fly in,” Resch said. “Fast forward to today, being able to fly the F-22 and be a part of a team that will bring the excitement to the kids in attendance who were just like me, definitely makes it all worth it.”
The F-22 Demo Team is nearing the midpoint of their season and has participated in shows ranging from California to Florida. While each show is unique and gives the team an opportunity to achieve its mission of recruiting, retaining and inspiring the next generation, Oshkosh will be unlike anything the team has experienced thus far.
“The blood, sweat and tears has caused this year’s demo season to blossom into something extraordinary,” said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Emanuel Knowlton, F-22 Demo Team superintendent. “We are all stoked to participate alongside the other fantastic performers at the mecca of all air shows in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.”
For more information on the F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team, you can find them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @F22DemoTeam.