Sam Swink has been part of the FIGHTERJETS INC team for several years, officially taking on the role of Crew Chief in 2024. Aviation has been a part of Sam’s life since birth, growing up around airplanes through his father, Jed, who is also a pilot.
Around age 12, Sam began flying RC aircraft recreationally before moving into competitive flying. In 2012, he competed at the world level in RC aircraft competitions and earned multiple sponsorships. By age 15, he was already working on general aviation aircraft, and in 2016 he completed his A&P certification in Waco, Texas, further expanding his aviation career.
Since 2019, Sam has served as a Director of Maintenance overseeing three jets. In addition to those responsibilities, he serves as the lead mechanic and Crew Chief for Randy Ball’s MiG-17F, #1611. Sam has become instrumental in the aircraft’s maintenance both during the off-season and between airshows at the HAMM Hangar, while also traveling with the jet to select events when his schedule allows.
The Swink family has become an important part of the FIGHTERJETS INC team effort, with Sam’s wife, Kaitlin, and their son, Hudson, often helping at the hangar and supporting the team at airshows.
Sam is married and has one son. You will often see them at the Hangar helping out with the jet and with Lucy!
TINA RENEE BALL M.D
Tina Renee Ball (Tina Elkins MD) joined the FIGHTERJETS INC team during the MiG’s off-season in 2022 and quickly became involved in the behind-the-scenes operations of maintaining and supporting the aircraft. Working alongside Randy Ball and the team, she participated in projects including an engine replacement on MiG-17 #1611.
Outside the hangar, Tina is a board-certified head and neck surgeon and otolaryngologist. She also helps coordinate airshow operations, media relations, and event planning for FIGHTERJETS INC. In addition, Tina helped develop the team’s STEM outreach program, designed to inspire students through aviation, engineering, and the history behind the aircraft.
One of her favorite parts of being at the hangar is working alongside her father, Bill Peikert, a Vietnam-era Air Force jet engine mechanic, while her youngest son Nate is often found helping crew the MiG at airshows across the country.
NATE ELKINS
Nate Elkins is one of the younger faces behind the scenes at FIGHTERJETS INC and can often be found helping at airshows, around the hangar, and wherever extra hands are needed. Over the last several years, Nate has become immersed in the aviation and airshow world through the many pilots, maintainers, and mentors that make up the FIGHTERJETS INC team.
When he is not traveling with the team, Nate spends much of his time working at Ball Ranch Texas 1873 and building his passion for agriculture and aviation. He plans to attend Texas Tech University to study Ranch Management and Agricultural Business, while also working toward earning his pilot’s license as school and schedule allow
PATRICK MCGOWN
Patrick’s passion for aviation began as a child building model aircraft, especially the iconic Fairchild Republic A-10Warthog. In 2008, his brother purchased a home at Cedar Creek Lake, Patrick attended the annual Cedar Creek Veterans Foundation Airshow where he first watched Randy Ball fly his MiG-17 an experience that further fueled his love for aviation.
In 2016, Patrick purchased a photography studio that printed Randy’s posters, quickly leading to a friendship and eventually volunteer work with FighterJets Inc. through his passion for aviation photography. He also helped design and maintain the FighterJets Inc. website and enjoys assisting with off-season aircraft maintenance whenever possible. Since 2020, Patrick has traveled to nearly 25 airshows with the team, capturing photos and video of Randy’s performances across the country.