MCAS Miramar Opens Door for Air Show

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Kimara Johnson, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West

MIRAMAR, Calif. (NNS) -- Marine Corps Air Station Miramar opened its gates to the San Diego community to host its annual air show Oct. 1-3.

An estimated 500,000 people came to watch this year's show over a 3-day period.

This year's theme, "Marines: A Tradition of Uncommon Valor" honors the 65th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima.

The show began with the Army Golden Knights, the Army's parachute team, followed by a Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) demonstration that had ground forces and airplanes simulating an attack. The MAGTF demonstrators rappelled from a helicopter while F/A-18 Hornets and AV-8B Harriers roared past, while infantry platoons in armored vehicles moved in on their ground target. From there, pilots took to the sky to demonstrate their platform's abilities.

Also taking part in the air show were the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, an air demonstration team flying the CT-114 Tutor. The Legacy Flight featured vintage World War II, Korean War and Vietnam- era Navy and Marine Corps fighter planes fly alongside the F/A-18 Hornet.

Many people took time out to take part in the Navy SEAL Challenge kiosk. Participants could see if they could score high enough to qualify as a SEAL by doing a rope climb, push-ups, pull-ups and sit-ups. Some participants were able to try on some of the actual equipment used by SEAL Team 12.

"He loves this military stuff," said Darin Smith about his son, Jacob, who he brought from Escondido, Calif. "He can name all the planes they have on display here. He is so excited because he gets to see the things from the 'Call of Duty' game. It's the same stuff."

The crowd was able to interact with hands-on displays such as the Raptor Virtual Reality fighter game and some spectators got to help repack the Golden Knights and Navy Leap Frogs' parachutes after their joint performance.

"The boys love the airplanes and activities here," said Tony Attallah of his sons, who traveled from Los Angeles to spend the day. "They love the Navy, Air Force or anything military."

The U.S. Navy Band Southwest entertained the crowd throughout the show. The band travels around the world performing pop music at events to help boost interest in the service.

"We play a lot of pop music with funk and soul," said Musician 3rd Class Michael Santos, of the Navy Band South West. "It appeals to a broad spectrum of the people who may join the Navy. "

Thousands lined up along the flight line to see the world-famous U.S. Navy flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels. This year's team would feature their first female pilot, Lt. Cmdr. Amy Tomlinson, flying the #8 F/A-18 Hornet. The program also featured an evening twilight show.