F-22 Raptor Demo Team names new pilot to soar into 2025 air show season Published Feb. 11, 2025 By Tech Sgt. Matthew Coleman-Foster 1st Fighter Wing Public Affairs LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. -- Gen. Ken Wilsbach, commander of Air Combat Command, certified the new F-22 Demonstration Team Pilot ahead of the 2025 air show season during a certification flight on January 24, 2025, Langley Air Force Base, VA. Capt. Nick “Laz” Le Tourneau, 27th Fighter Squadron will be replacing Maj. Samuel “RaZZ” Larson at the helm as the F-22 Demonstration Team’s commander and pilot. Le Tourneau is an experienced fighter pilot having accumulated over 750 flying hours in aircraft such as the T-6 Texan, T-38 Talon, and F-22 Raptor since he began his Air Force career in 2018. “I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to join this team, and to follow in the footsteps of great teams before us. The legacy of Air Force demonstration pilots and the unforgettable airshows I experienced growing up in the Midwest have been some of my biggest motivations in my journey to become a fighter pilot," Le Tourneau said. "Our mission is to motivate that next wave of aviators and maintainers, who are so crucial to continuing the American legacy of Air Dominance. We have a great team lined up for the 2025 season, and I am truly privileged to work alongside these dedicated maintainers and specialists to showcase Raptor Nation to the world. “ As F-22 Demonstration Team lead, Le Tourneau will be responsible for leading the team by not only being an ambassador but also showcasing the unmatched maneuverability of the Air Force's fifth-generation air dominance stealth fighter, the F-22 Raptor. Another key aspect to the mission of the team is highlighting the history of the Air Force by taking part in heritage formation flights and interacting with local communities through outreach events as they travel and perform throughout the season. The F-22 Demonstration Team consists of 14 enlisted members, who are responsible for maintaining the F-22 Raptor, upkeep of aircrew flight equipment, managing public affairs and community outreach, and always ensuring safety standards are adhered to prior to aerial events throughout the season. “The 2025 Raptor Demo Team is more than excited for the upcoming show season,” said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Brady Pummel, F-22 Demo Team superintendent. “I was lucky enough to turnover an amazing team. The hard work and dedication this team puts in every day, enduring the cold, snow, rain, and rapidly changing weather, has set our season up for success. I, as well as the team, are honored to represent the Air Combat Command and the United States Air Force all over the world.” For more information on the F-22 Demonstration Team, their schedule or media visit their Facebook, F-22 Raptor Demo Team, Instagram, f22demoteam, or website at https://www.jble.af.mil/About-Us/Units/Langley-AFB/F-22-Demo-Team/.