Senior Airman David Newell Dedicated Crew Chief
Senior Airman David Newell serves as a Dedicated Crew Chief on the F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team. As a Crew Chief, he is responsible for performing detailed aircraft inspections, diagnosing malfunctions, replacing components, reviewing maintenance documentation, and ensuring the aircraft is safe for aircrew to fly. He represents Air Combat Command, the United States Air Force, and the Department of Defense at air shows and public events nationwide. His mission is to ensure the demonstration team maintains a safe, reliable, and mission-ready aircraft capable of executing a world-class aerial demonstration.
Newell is from West Bend, Wisconsin, and graduated from West Bend West High School in 2021. He enlisted in the Air Force in December 2022. In his free time, he enjoys flying, skydiving, motorcycling, scuba diving, rock climbing, and maintaining physical fitness.
Education 2025–Present: Pursuing Bachelor’s Degree in Aviation Science, Liberty University 2023–Present: Private Pilot License; pursuing Instrument Flight Rating 2025–Present: Pursuing Helicopter Pilot License 2025–Present: Class B Skydiving License; pursuing Class C and Wingsuit
Awards Below the Zone 2025: Airman of the 3rd Quarter, Squadron, Group, and Wing Levels
Assignments 2023–Present: Dedicated Crew Chief, 71st Fighter Generation Squadron, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia