60
JET TEAM PROFILE
UP CLOSE
WITH
THE USAF'S
VIPER DEMO TEAM
BY: RICARDO VON PUTTKAMMER
The 2013 sequester, automatic budget cuts across the board, meant that the United States Air Force would not have single ship demo teams for a couple of years. The introduction of the Viper Demo Team and its participation of in the 2015 air show circuit was a most welcomed announcement made at the 2014 ICAS (International Conference of Air Shows). Representing the team at the conference were Major Craig “Rocket” Baker, the team commander, Scott “Buster” Clyman, senior safety officer and Master Sargent Aaron Smith, team chief. Also present was the last Viper East Team pilot, Major Ryan J. “Rider” Corrigan, who trained Major Baker.