West Coast Demo Team

The F-15 West Coast Demo Team is just one of the six single aircraft Demonstration Teams assigned to Air Combat Command (ACC). The Team is comprised of one Demo Pilot, nine Maintenance personnel, and four Flight Safety Officers.

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — The Air Combat Command F-15 West Coast Demonstration Team, stationed here, displays the F-15C capabilities as a single-role fighter designed to perform air-to-air missions to thousands at the 2007 Eglin Air Show April 15. The team performed at over 30 air shows across the country and around the world last year, showcasing the U.S. Air Force, the 33rd Fighter Wing and the F-15 Eagle for over 4.3 million people. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Mike Meares)

The Aircraft themselves are not assigned to the team, but are actual operational fighters from the 33rd Fighter Wing at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.  The F-15 West Team originated from Holloman AFB, New Mexico, and was moved to Tyndall AFB, Florida, before settling here in the late 1990’s.  We have retained the name “West Coast”  as it is our heritage.

The U.S. Air Force’s Air Combat Command Single-Ship Demonstration Teams perform precision aerial maneuvers, demonstrating to the public the unique capabilities of the Air Force’s high performance aircraft. ACC Single-Ship Demonstration Team members also exhibit the professional qualities the Air Force develops in the people who fly, maintain and support these aircraft.

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. — Captain Sam “Nuke” Joplin, F-15C Demonstration Team pilot, sits in his plane before he flew in the Airpower Over the Midwest air show last weekend. Captain Joplin is originally from West Plains, Mo., and attended the University of Missouri in Columbia, but this air show was only the second time he has flown near home. (US Air Force photo/Senior Airman Jonathan Lovelady)