Tyndall shines at air show

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Veronica McMahon
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  More than 137,000 people from all around the southeast gathered to watch the many performances that took place April 10 and 11 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. during the 75th Annual Eglin Open House and Air Show.

Although the crowd witnessed many different aerial acts, one demonstration caught the eye of the people from Tyndall AFB because it was Team Tyndall's aircraft that the crowd was cheering over during the F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team's performance.

"The jets are right here from Tyndall AFB," said Maj. David "Zeke" Skalicky, F-22 Raptor demo pilot. "There is a lot of significance in that because all of the pilots are trained at Tyndall. I started flying the F-22s there at the 43rd Fighter Squadron in early 2006."

Major Skalicky has been an F-22 teams demo pilot for a year-and-a half; this is his second season in action. He is also an operational instructor at Langley AFB, Va.

"This show was just awesome for us because it showcased the best aspects of the Air Force - technology and teamwork," said the demo pilot. "Our team is great and there is nothing like the people you get to meet."

The team displays the capabilities of the world's most advanced fighter aircraft and was at the air show to recruit and retain America's finest, showcase American airpower and enhance community relations, said Lt. Col. William Edwards, Aerial Events Chief Marketing Officer at Langley AFB.

This is Major Skalicky's last season as the demo pilot.

"The pilot who brought out the aircraft is taking over next season," said Major Skalicky. "He is also from Tyndall."

Major Henry Schantz, 325th Fighter Wing Executive Officer, is scheduled to be an F-22 demo pilot next season.

"I am very honored to be selected as the ACC F-22 Demonstration Pilot," said Major Schantz. "It is an incredible responsibility to showcase the world's most advanced and dominant fighter and I look forward to it. The ability to aid in recruiting and retention for the Air Force while displaying the Raptor's unmatched capability is really a dream come true."

While the F-22 aircraft represented Tyndall at the air show, the 325th Fighter Wing also had one of its alumni leading the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, Lt. Col. Case Cunningham. Colonel Cunningham was the former director of operations for the 43rd FS.

"It was the best Thunderbirds show I have ever seen," said Col. Bradley McCoy, 325th Fighter Wing Vice Commander. "They had impressive new additions to the show such as the diamond loop on takeoff. It was great hearing over the speakers the familiar voice of Lt. Col. Cunningham checking in the Thunderbirds."

Many members of Tyndall were there to witness the performance.

"My three boys really enjoyed the air show, especially the F-22 demo and the Thunderbirds," said Colonel McCoy. "From the time they stepped to the jets until the engines shut down, their eyes were glued to the airplanes. Tyndall is looking forward to hosting next year's air show and will reciprocate the hospitality received at Eglin AFB."