Meet the U.S. Air Force’s new F-35A Demo pilot and commander. Capt. Melanie Kluesner, call sign MACH, will showcase the Lightning II stealth fighter at air shows nationwide in 2024.
MACH comes onboard replacing the former demo pilot and team commander, Maj. Kristin “BEO” Wolfe. BEO has been the demo pilot since 2020, and has been training MACH over the last several months to get her certified to lead the team and fly demos for millions of spectators.
A veteran combat fighter pilot from a military family
Capt. Kluesner and the team come from the 421st Fighter Squadron, 388th Fighter Wing at Hill AFB, Utah. The veteran combat fighter pilot graduated from University of Southern California in 2014, and comes from a military family.
MACH brings over 1,000 hours of experience flying aircraft including the T-6A Texan II, T-38 Talon, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-35B and of course, the F-35A Lightning II.
Her father is a former USAF fighter pilot, and also flew as a demo pilot in the 1980s was the Pacific Air Force’s F-16 Fighting Falcon demo team. Her mother was in the first graduating class of women from the Air Force Academy. She graduated pilot training as fighter qualified, but at the time women were not yet allowed to fly fighter jets for the USAF.
“It was a long road to get to where I am. There is nothing more rewarding than doing a job you love for something that’s bigger than yourself,” said Kluesner. “Being the demo pilot means spreading that message to the next generation. I’m really excited for the airshow season to begin.”
Team is scheduled to fly 20 air shows in 2024
MACH will command a traveling team of 14 maintainers and supporting personnel. They are scheduled to perform at 20 different shows this year, which is about 40 sorties.
“I think it’s really important for people to realize that if you want to be a fighter pilot or serve in the military, it doesn’t matter what you look like or that you fit the specific mold,” Kluesner explained.
“What does matter is being willing to stay disciplined, work hard, become a team player and care about serving your country. I’m humbled to be in this position. I hope everyone who watches the demonstration is inspired to dream big just like I was when I was a little kid.”
You can follow the team this year on Facebook to keep up with them.
