Event Spotlight: Miramar Air Show

Looking for something to do next weekend?

Check out the action packed Miramar Air Show (September 28-30).

Voted the “World’s Best Military Air Show”, The Miramar Air Show is an annual air show held at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, in sunny San Diego.

For almost two and a half centuries, the Marine Corps has been the first to fight, with a history characterized by grit, innovation, audacity, and steadfast commitment to the service of the nation.

The 3 day event is the largest and most spectacular military show in the United States with almost 700,000 attendees year after year.

This is the one time out of the year where you can experience the full flight line, equipment and military strength of our beautiful country which is open to the city of San Diego, surrounding communities, and guests from across the globe.

Enjoy exciting aerial performances by many of our Marine Corps aircraft to include the F-35B Lightning II, the AV-8B Harrier, and the MV-22 Osprey and the Marine Air-Ground Task Force demonstration team. You’ll see how the coordinated use of close air support, armor, artillery, and infantry forces aggregate into a unique form of combat power that continues to make the Marine Corps the most capable fighting force in the world.

Not only is the event a spectacular thrill ride filled with excitement, hands-on learning and fun for the whole family, but also an opportunity to recognize the contributions and sacrifice of the men and women (past and present) who serve with honor and distinction.

Here’s what TO EXPECT:

Static (non-flying) Displays

Air Force transport planes and bombers.

“Squadron Row,” an area of booths staffed by units to meet ’n greet the public and sell merchandise to support squadron activities and display a few of the squadron aircraft (including the F-16 Falcon, F-15 Eagle and the F-22 Raptor!).

The MAGTF area with rotor-wing and tilt-rotor aircraft with demonstrations of tanks, light armoured vehicles, artillery systems, and infantry weapons.

A “War Birds” area representing the WWII-era aircraft from the Korean and Vietnam War.

Recruiting and informational displays by most branches of the U.S. armed forces, area law enforcement agencies, border patrol, civil air patrol and more.

“The Marines worked most of the concessions and they were just so nice, respectful with such impeccable manners. I'm so proud of these Marines and I'm so proud to be an American.”

Aerial Performers

Experience first hand the aerial excellence “star of the show” since the 1940s, The U.S. Navy’s Flight Demonstration Squadron (the Blue Angels)–flying F/A-18 Hornets, USMC AV-8B Harier as well as the MV-22 Osprey and F-35B Lightning.

You’ll also experience The U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team. Cutting away a parachute on purpose. Passing a baton at 120 mph. Flying the American flag at 12,000 feet. Landing dead center on the target. The Golden Knights have been holding audiences in the palm of their hands all over the world with their feats of aerial acrobatics. Now in their 55th year of entertaining both young and old with their amazing aerial skills, the men and women of the Golden Knights continue to show why they are considered the world’s best parachute team.

The show also attracts a variety of civilian performers from the U.S. air show circuit, flying prop planes, jet aircraft and gliders. Frequent performers include Sean Tucker’s Oracle Challenger, the Red Bull Helicopter, and the “Shockwave” Jet Truck and much more.

MAGTF Demo

This is a major element of each year’s show, which is the MAGTF (Marine Air-Ground Task Force) Demo, a simulated assault by numerous Marine Corps units that demonstrates the air, ground and logistical elements of the Marine Air Ground Task Force. This demonstration is performed each day and features an array of fixed-wing, helicopter and tilt-rotor aircraft.

Throughout the demonstration the attacks are punctuated by controlled pyrotechnic explosions, culminating in a "wall of fire" detonation. An air and ground review concludes each performance.

Civilian and Historic Military AircrafT

Commercial vendors, recruiting displays that represent all of the United States aired forces, area law enforcement recruiters, civilians flight organizations and a business and franchise fair are also on site.

"What an honor to go to this air show and see our fine military at work. The Marines are impressive and you can clearly see the pride in every single one of them. The airshow is well organized and there is a lot to see (of course it's well organized, the Marines are running the show!”

For a full list of performers please checkout: http://www.miramarairshow.com/performers/