F-15 demo team, 333rd RCS team for international air show

  • Published
  • By Senior Master Sgt. Mark Spivak
  • 333rd Recruiting Squadron
The Florida International Air Show here March 21-22 was an opportunity for recruiters to not only offer the public a glimpse at its Air Force but to reinforce the decision by those who are waiting to leave for Basic Military Training.

The annual air show is one of the largest in the state and featured the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and U.S. Air Force F-15 West Coast Demo Team. Also at the show were members of the 333rd Recruiting Squadron who supported the Air Force Recruiting Service Inspire Tour and answered questions about Air Force careers, benefits and opportunities.

Members of the Air Force Delayed Entry Program from the Punta Gorda area had the opportunity to tour the F-15 and receive briefings from team flight chief Master Sgt. Bryan Jones and crew chiefs Staff Sgt. Perry Bricyn and Staff Sgt. Justin McLane. Each got a chance to climb the ladder of the F-15 and look into the cockpit. 

Among them was DEP member Nicco Azar, who departs for Basic Military Training May 26 on his way to being assigned as a tactical aircraft maintenance apprentice.

"I joined the Air Force because I was looking for a strong career that I can rely on and be able to do something that most people don't get to do everyday," he said. "It was pretty exciting to be able to sit in the cockpit of the type of plane I may be working on." 

For Staff Sgt. Kori Stafford, a recruiter from Port Charlotte, Fla., the air show was an excellent opportunity to reinforce the decisions made by young men and women choosing to enlist in the Air Force.

"It was great to give my delayed entry program members a chance to see and feel a jet up close," he said. "This is the best way to make them feel like they are part of the Air Force." 

"The West Coast F-15 demo team's mission is to demonstrate the professional competence of Air Force members (and) modern weapon systems, positively affect Air Force recruitment and retention efforts, and promote community and international relations to reinforce public confidence in the Air Force," Sergeant Jones said.

The F-15 West Coast Demo Team is one of the seven single aircraft demonstration teams assigned to Air Combat Command. Sergeant Jones said the team performs at 30 air shows each year and at the end of this year, the team will perform its final show following 26 years of service.