Technical Sergeant James Fleming is the United States Air Force’s F-22 Raptor Aerial Demonstration Team, Team Chief, based at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. As the aerial demonstration team chief, he is responsible for representing Air Combat Command, the United States Air Force, and the Department of Defense at more than 20 air shows annually. He leads the 10-member enlisted F-22 Demonstration Team and oversees all maintenance actions performed on the Lockheed Martin $143M demo aircraft. By doing so, he ensures the demonstration pilot is equipped with a safe, reliable, and effective F-22 Raptor to execute his aerial maneuvers for more than 10 million spectators around the world each year.
TSgt Fleming was born in Dayton Ohio and graduated from Bellbrook High School in 1997. On 13 April 2004, he enlisted into the United States Air Force. He has held various positions within the aircraft maintenance career field culminating with his most recent position as the F-22A Demonstration Team, Team Chief. He has deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Inherent Resolve.
EDUCATION:
Enrolled: Associates of Aircraft Systems Maintenance Technology, Community College of the Air Force, VA
Enrolled: Bachelors of Professional Aeronautics, Liberty University, VA
ASSIGNMENTS:
2004 - 2006: F-22 Assistant Dedicated Crew Chief, Tyndall AFB, FL
2006 - 2007: F-15C/D Assistant Dedicated Crew Chief, Elmendorf AFB, AK
2007 - 2012: F-22 Dedicated Crew Chief, Elmendorf AFB, AK
2012 - 2013: Flightline Expediter, Elmendorf AFB, AK
2013 - 2016: Flightline Expediter, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, VA
2016 - Present: Team Chief, F-22 Aerial Demonstration Team, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, VA
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS:
Air Force Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster
Air Force Achievement Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters
Meritorious Unit Award
Air Force Outstanding Unit with three Oak Leaf Clusters
Air Force Good Conduct Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters
National Defense Service Medal
Global War on terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Air Force Overseas Ribbon Long tour with one Oak Leaf Cluster
Air Force Expeditionary Service with Gold Border
2012 3rd AMXS Thomas N. Barnes Dedicated Crew Chief of the Year
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION:
Airman Basic: 13 Apr 2004
Airman 1st Class: 28 May 2004
Senior Airman (Below the Zone): 15 Feb 2006
Staff Sergeant: 01 Jun 2008
Technical Sergeant: 1 Mar 2014