Show features Thunderbirds, 82nd Airborne
By:Jeff Mikalaitis
This year’s McGuire Air Show will feature a number of aerial performances, including demonstrations by the U.S. Air Force’s premiere aerial demonstration team, the Thunderbirds, and the largest parachute force in the free world, the 82nd Airborne Division.
The air show, set for Saturday, June 3, also will have ground performances as well as aircraft on display.
“We are looking forward to a good day,” said Base Spokesman 1st Lt. Mike Nachshen. “It will be a lot of fun, and a great way for families to spend the day.”
The Thunderbird’s performance will showcase the capabilities of American air power. A Thunderbird demonstration features six F-16s performing approximately 30 maneuvers both in formation flying and solo routines.
They also will be performing a four-aircraft diamond formation, a practical demonstration of the skills and training of every U.S. Air Force fighter pilot. This includes everything from basic loops, rolls, and formation flying, to advanced air combat tactics.
The 82nd Airborne will be executing a mass air drop of about 120 paratroopers. Every soldier in the 82nd Airborne, from cook to infantryman to engineer, is airborne qualified. They are trained to deploy anywhere, anytime, and to fight upon arrival.
The C-141B Starlifter will be performing with the 82nd Airborne. The Starlifter has the ability to airlift combat forces over long distances, deliver those forces by land, or airdrop, re-supply forces and transport the sick and wounded from hostile areas.
The show also will feature K-9, Falconry and M1A1 Abrams Tank demonstrations.
The public will have the chance for a closer look at a number of the aircraft on the ground, including the B-1B Lancer, the F-16 Fighting Falcon, the B-52 Stratofortress and the C 130 Hercules. Visitors will be able to climb inside some of the planes.
“We are really looking forward to having folks out to see what military is all about,” said 1st Lt. Nachshen. “It’s a chance for American people to see where there tax dollars go.”
According to 1st Lt. Nachshen, the air show will also let young people know what the military has to offer.
“There will be recruiters here to let young people know about the great opportunities in the Air Force, and in all branches of the service,” he said.
The gates at the McGuire Air Force Base will open at 8 a.m. The show is free to the public.
“We recommend people arrive earlier rather than later,” said 1st Lt. Nachshen. “Traffic is pretty intense.”