NAS JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Blue Angels and Thunderbirds will headline a free air show Oct. 17-18 at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, where organizers expect large crowds and traffic delays.
The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, is returning to NAS Jacksonville. The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, will perform at the show for the first time. The Blue Angels are scheduled for a 3 p.m. performance both days, weather permitting, as the show’s grand finale.
Gates open at 9 a.m., and performances begin at 11 a.m. Admission and parking are free, and tickets are not required. All visitors must enter through the Allegheny Gate and will not be allowed south of Yorktown Avenue. People with authorized base access may use the Birmingham Gate for regular business but will not have access to the flight line.
The U.S. Air Force C-17 East Coast Demo Team will demonstrate the tactical and aerial capabilities of its C-17 Globemaster III, nicknamed Moose. Other performers include Matt Younkin in a Beechcraft Model 18; Skip Stewart in a Pitts S-2S Prometheus; Jeff Shetterly in an SNJ-6 Texan; Kyle Fowler in a Long EZ; Adam Baker in an Extra 330; and Redline Airshows, featuring two RV-8 aircraft. More than a dozen military and civilian aircraft also will be on display.
The event will include food and beverage vendors, aircraft displays and a Kids Zone with games and activities, including a STEM area. Organizers say there is no shade on the flight line and recommend visitors bring sunscreen, hats and ear protection. Refillable water bottles, chairs and blankets are allowed; coolers and outside food and drinks are not.
All guests 18 and older must bring a physical government-issued REAL ID, the show’s website says. Organizers expect traffic delays on U.S. 17 and nearby roads, and say it could take up to two hours for vehicles to leave the base after the show.
The show’s official website has details on directions, seating and visitor rules.
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