Upcoming air show to feature Super Hornet demo team Published June 21, 2012 By Ryan Hansen 55th Wing Public Affairs OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- One of the main headliners at this year's Defenders of Freedom Open House and Air Show, scheduled for Aug. 25 - 26, is the F/A-18 Super Hornet demonstration team. This combat-proven fighter jet entered service in the U.S. Navy in 1999 and quickly became an asset to American forces deployed around the world. "The Super Hornet is a true multi-role aircraft," said U.S. Navy Lt. Chris Waskey, Strike Fighter Squadron 122 public affairs officer. This jet has a top speed of Mach 1.8 and can be used in a variety of situations including close air support, forward air control, anti-ship mining, fleet air defense and photo reconnaissance among other things. "The Super Hornet's advanced avionics, weapons capabilities, radar and sensors and stealth technology make it a formidable aircraft," Waskey said. "Couple that with its ability to be deployed onboard our nation's aircraft carriers and you have a strong deterrent that can be positioned anywhere in the world." Based out of Naval Air Station Lemoore, Calif., the F/A-18 Super Hornet demonstration is flown by instructors from the Flying Eagles of VFA-122. They will be highlighting the aircraft's capabilities to more than one million people at 21 North American locations on their 2012 tour. "We're very excited to have the Super Hornet demonstration team as part of our air show this year," said Maj. Lance Hofer, air show director. "They're a real crowd pleaser, they do a great job and to see them in action is quite impressive." The aviators on an F/A-18 Super Hornet include a pilot and weapon systems operator. They were selected from the cadre of instructors based on their skill and experience. All of them have spent up to two years earning their wings of gold and have served overseas on aircraft carriers around globe. "The members selected for the demonstration team are 'Fleet seasoned' instructors chosen for their abilities, knowledge and experience." Waskey said. In addition to the flyers, the Super Hornet demonstration team wouldn't be complete without the maintenance personnel that ensure the jet is in peak flying condition. These maintainers are structural mechanics, electricians, machinists, electronics technicians and ordnance specialists. "They're simply world class," Waskey said. "Without their dedication and professionalism there would be no team." For more information on the Super Hornets, visit their website www.vfa122.navy.mil and for more details on the Defenders of Freedom Open House and Air Show, visit their website www.offuttairshow.com.