(June 16, 2016) Ocean City’s ninth annual Air Show takes off this weekend, bringing combat aircrafts, World War II bomber planes and numerous other acrobatic displays to the resort.
“Air shows are exciting. It’s so fun to be able to see the skill and talent that these pilots demonstrate in their airplanes,” said Cathy Bassett, press officer for the show. “From the aerobatic pilots who demonstrate loops and spins, to the military performers who showcase the latest generation fighter jets that are flying all over the world keeping us safe. We don’t get a chance to see these planes up close every day, so it’s a treat to be able to watch them while enjoying a day at the beach.”
Although the show does not officially begin until Saturday, events have already kicked off, including breakfast with the performers starting at 8 a.m. today, Friday, at Layton’s Family restaurant on 16th Street.
Tonight, a Jack Daniels Take Off Party will take place at Brass Balls Saloon located between 11th and 12th streets on the Boardwalk beginning at 7 p.m. It is free to attend and open to the public. It will feature musical entertainment and a chance to meet pilots, jumpers and flight crews. In addition, a parachute jump will take place on the beach during the party.
“These are opportunities for the general public to come out and meet some performers,” Bassett said. “These businesses are kind enough to host them throughout the week, while they are in town, and they invite the public to come and perhaps get an autograph or a photo with a performer.”
On Saturday, the Ocean City Air Show launches with performances by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, B-25 Mitchell “Panchito” WWII Bomber, an L-39 Cold War era jet and more high-flying acts.
The display village lining the Boardwalk from 14th to 20th streets will open at 9 a.m. for guests to visit various information booths and talk to military recruiters about the Thunderbirds and other performances.
Weather permitting, the air show will officially start at noon with the Thunderbirds taking to the sky at 3 p.m. for an hour performance.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to visit City Hall on Third Street and Baltimore Avenue between 9-11 a.m. today, Friday, to meet pilots from the Thunderbirds.
“The Thunderbirds are back in action after the accident and we are happy to have them flying out there with us,” said Jeff Boerboon, who will fly the Jack Link’s Screamin’ Sasquatch Jet Waco in the show.
A Thunderbird jet crashed into a field outside Petersen Air Force Base in Colorado following their flyover for the Air Force Academy graduation on June 2, which caused a temporary stand-down and the cancellation of two appearances in New Mexico and Rhode Island prior to Ocean City’s event.
It was announced on Monday they wound return to flight for the Ocean City Air Show.
The Jack Link’s Screamin’ Sasquatch Jet Waco is a jet powered, vintage biplane.
“It is a very unique and one-of-a-kind airplane,” Boerboon said. “There is a jet engine sitting underneath that you would normally find on a corporate jet, which adds an additional 3,000 pounds of thrust. The 4,500 pounds of thrust allows me to fly it like a helicopter and accelerate going straight up. It is unlike anything else out there.”
Along the beach, there will be a Jack Link’s monster truck on display and Sasquatch will be in attendance to hand out free samples of beef jerky.
The Ocean City Air Show will be one of the first to showcase the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter, which is a single-seat, single-engine stealth fighter with three main models designed to perform ground attacks, aerial intelligence and air defense missions.
“We are honored that the U.S. Air Force has selected the OC Air Show to be one of the first air shows to feature the flight of an F-35,” said Bryan Lilley, president of the Ocean City Air Show. “Ocean City will be the first time in the Mid-Atlantic region where the general public will be able to see the future of Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps aviation perform.”
The F-35A conventional and landing version will be used by the Air Force, the F-35B short takeoff and vertical landing version will be utilized by the Marine Corps and the Navy will use the F-35C carrier-based version.
“We are excited to be able to showcase the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter for its first flight at an air show in the Mid-Atlantic region,” Bassett said. “Most people have never seen one on the ground let alone screaming across the sky.”
In addition, audiences will have the opportunity to see a demonstration of the U.S. Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet or Rhino, which is a twin-engine fighter aircraft and can carry air-to-air missiles and air-to-surface weapons.
“The F-18F Super Hornet added yet another marquee military jet demo to this year’s performer line up,” Lilley stated in a release. “We’re happy to have the U.S. Navy supporting the event once again in 2016.”
After Saturday’s Boardwalk activities, a “Salute to the Armed Forces” will take place at Ocean Downs Casino, off Route 589 near Ocean Pines, starting at 7 p.m. and will feature a sunset jump by the Lucas Oil Parachute Jump Team, live music from the Stickers and a fireworks display at dusk.
“It’s a great event for families to come out for a meet and greet with our performers who will all be in uniform,” Bassett said. “Overall, probably your best chance to get a selfie with a Thunderbird.”
The Air Show continues Sunday at noon with more performances by the Thunderbirds, Mike Wiskus in the Lucas Oil Pitts, David Windmiller and other favorites.
The public will have a rare opportunity to take rides in the B-25 Mitchell “Panchito” WWII Bomber during the show. For a $425 donation to the Delaware Aviation Museum Foundation, visitors will get the experience of what it was like to fly onboard the B-25 Mitchell Bomber “Panchito.”
The flights will take off from the Ocean City Airport today through June 19. The plane can seat up to five people and children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Call 443-458-8926 or email panchitoB25@aol.com to save a seat on the 30-minute flights.
In addition, the Coast Guard will bring along its MH-65 Dolphine helicopter to demonstrate search and rescue missions for the crowd.
Every year, hundreds of thousands of people watch the Ocean City Air Show from the Boardwalk, hotels, on the beach or on a boat in the ocean and bay, Bassett said.
“Last year there were hundreds of thousands on the beach and in boats in the ocean and the bay,” Bassett said. “It was awesome to see and we are expecting huge crowds this year for the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds return to flight.”
At the Air Show’s “Show Center” on the beach at 16th Street, spectators can hear commentary and enjoy great views from most spots along the Boardwalk and beach. Others take their boats on the water to catch a seaside view.
Some special packages are still available for the Air Show, but they are selling quickly. Tickets start at $22 for “Drop Zone” seating and $139 for a Flight Line Clubhouse ticket. The VIP Skybox is sold out for Saturday and costs $239 for Sunday.
“There are vendors and exhibits to explore along the Boardwalk and side streets. We always suggest families come early, bring beach chairs and sunscreen, and enjoy a patriotic day with some of the most experienced pilots in the world,” Bassett said. “We are always looking for volunteers to help manage all the moving parts of an air show. It’s a great way to be a part of the action, and help give something back to the Town of Ocean City. We are so grateful to all the volunteers and all the support we get from the various entities like the Town of Ocean City, the Coast Guard, the officials down at NASA Wallops, the Ocean City Airport, and everyone in between.”
Visit www.ocairshow.com for more information.
“Air shows are exciting. It’s so fun to be able to see the skill and talent that these pilots demonstrate in their airplanes,” said Cathy Bassett, press officer for the show. “From the aerobatic pilots who demonstrate loops and spins, to the military performers who showcase the latest generation fighter jets that are flying all over the world keeping us safe. We don’t get a chance to see these planes up close every day, so it’s a treat to be able to watch them while enjoying a day at the beach.”
Although the show does not officially begin until Saturday, events have already kicked off, including breakfast with the performers starting at 8 a.m. today, Friday, at Layton’s Family restaurant on 16th Street.
Tonight, a Jack Daniels Take Off Party will take place at Brass Balls Saloon located between 11th and 12th streets on the Boardwalk beginning at 7 p.m. It is free to attend and open to the public. It will feature musical entertainment and a chance to meet pilots, jumpers and flight crews. In addition, a parachute jump will take place on the beach during the party.
“These are opportunities for the general public to come out and meet some performers,” Bassett said. “These businesses are kind enough to host them throughout the week, while they are in town, and they invite the public to come and perhaps get an autograph or a photo with a performer.”
On Saturday, the Ocean City Air Show launches with performances by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, B-25 Mitchell “Panchito” WWII Bomber, an L-39 Cold War era jet and more high-flying acts.
The display village lining the Boardwalk from 14th to 20th streets will open at 9 a.m. for guests to visit various information booths and talk to military recruiters about the Thunderbirds and other performances.
Weather permitting, the air show will officially start at noon with the Thunderbirds taking to the sky at 3 p.m. for an hour performance.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to visit City Hall on Third Street and Baltimore Avenue between 9-11 a.m. today, Friday, to meet pilots from the Thunderbirds.
“The Thunderbirds are back in action after the accident and we are happy to have them flying out there with us,” said Jeff Boerboon, who will fly the Jack Link’s Screamin’ Sasquatch Jet Waco in the show.
A Thunderbird jet crashed into a field outside Petersen Air Force Base in Colorado following their flyover for the Air Force Academy graduation on June 2, which caused a temporary stand-down and the cancellation of two appearances in New Mexico and Rhode Island prior to Ocean City’s event.
It was announced on Monday they wound return to flight for the Ocean City Air Show.
The Jack Link’s Screamin’ Sasquatch Jet Waco is a jet powered, vintage biplane.
“It is a very unique and one-of-a-kind airplane,” Boerboon said. “There is a jet engine sitting underneath that you would normally find on a corporate jet, which adds an additional 3,000 pounds of thrust. The 4,500 pounds of thrust allows me to fly it like a helicopter and accelerate going straight up. It is unlike anything else out there.”
Along the beach, there will be a Jack Link’s monster truck on display and Sasquatch will be in attendance to hand out free samples of beef jerky.
The Ocean City Air Show will be one of the first to showcase the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter, which is a single-seat, single-engine stealth fighter with three main models designed to perform ground attacks, aerial intelligence and air defense missions.
“We are honored that the U.S. Air Force has selected the OC Air Show to be one of the first air shows to feature the flight of an F-35,” said Bryan Lilley, president of the Ocean City Air Show. “Ocean City will be the first time in the Mid-Atlantic region where the general public will be able to see the future of Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps aviation perform.”
The F-35A conventional and landing version will be used by the Air Force, the F-35B short takeoff and vertical landing version will be utilized by the Marine Corps and the Navy will use the F-35C carrier-based version.
“We are excited to be able to showcase the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter for its first flight at an air show in the Mid-Atlantic region,” Bassett said. “Most people have never seen one on the ground let alone screaming across the sky.”
In addition, audiences will have the opportunity to see a demonstration of the U.S. Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet or Rhino, which is a twin-engine fighter aircraft and can carry air-to-air missiles and air-to-surface weapons.
“The F-18F Super Hornet added yet another marquee military jet demo to this year’s performer line up,” Lilley stated in a release. “We’re happy to have the U.S. Navy supporting the event once again in 2016.”
After Saturday’s Boardwalk activities, a “Salute to the Armed Forces” will take place at Ocean Downs Casino, off Route 589 near Ocean Pines, starting at 7 p.m. and will feature a sunset jump by the Lucas Oil Parachute Jump Team, live music from the Stickers and a fireworks display at dusk.
“It’s a great event for families to come out for a meet and greet with our performers who will all be in uniform,” Bassett said. “Overall, probably your best chance to get a selfie with a Thunderbird.”
The Air Show continues Sunday at noon with more performances by the Thunderbirds, Mike Wiskus in the Lucas Oil Pitts, David Windmiller and other favorites.
The public will have a rare opportunity to take rides in the B-25 Mitchell “Panchito” WWII Bomber during the show. For a $425 donation to the Delaware Aviation Museum Foundation, visitors will get the experience of what it was like to fly onboard the B-25 Mitchell Bomber “Panchito.”
The flights will take off from the Ocean City Airport today through June 19. The plane can seat up to five people and children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Call 443-458-8926 or email panchitoB25@aol.com to save a seat on the 30-minute flights.
In addition, the Coast Guard will bring along its MH-65 Dolphine helicopter to demonstrate search and rescue missions for the crowd.
Every year, hundreds of thousands of people watch the Ocean City Air Show from the Boardwalk, hotels, on the beach or on a boat in the ocean and bay, Bassett said.
“Last year there were hundreds of thousands on the beach and in boats in the ocean and the bay,” Bassett said. “It was awesome to see and we are expecting huge crowds this year for the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds return to flight.”
At the Air Show’s “Show Center” on the beach at 16th Street, spectators can hear commentary and enjoy great views from most spots along the Boardwalk and beach. Others take their boats on the water to catch a seaside view.
Some special packages are still available for the Air Show, but they are selling quickly. Tickets start at $22 for “Drop Zone” seating and $139 for a Flight Line Clubhouse ticket. The VIP Skybox is sold out for Saturday and costs $239 for Sunday.
“There are vendors and exhibits to explore along the Boardwalk and side streets. We always suggest families come early, bring beach chairs and sunscreen, and enjoy a patriotic day with some of the most experienced pilots in the world,” Bassett said. “We are always looking for volunteers to help manage all the moving parts of an air show. It’s a great way to be a part of the action, and help give something back to the Town of Ocean City. We are so grateful to all the volunteers and all the support we get from the various entities like the Town of Ocean City, the Coast Guard, the officials down at NASA Wallops, the Ocean City Airport, and everyone in between.”
Visit www.ocairshow.com for more information.