Mars Johnson|Marlin Chronicle
The NAS Oceana Air Show is coming back to Virginia Beach for fun and festivities for all ages on Saturday, Sept. 21 and Sunday, Sept. 22. The NAS Oceana Air Show is a whole weekend of exciting performances and great vendors.
The legendary Blue Angels are scheduled to once again fly in the air show, performing at 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Gates for the event open at 8am both days and the Air Show begins at 10am, ending around 4 p.m. While the event is on the Navy’s East Coast Master Jet Base, there are plenty of locations to watch the air show from off base as well.
If you want to be up close and personal to the show, don’t worry. The base will be open to the public from 8 a.m. to around 5 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. Entry and parking are completely free, but be advised a valid photo ID is needed for entry.
While the Blue Angels are a big name in terms of performers in the air show, they certainly are not the only ones performing. Many different flight and demonstration teams will take to the air throughout the day. As well as incredibly impressive aircraft, the air show will also host jump teams, civilian performers, the Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18 Demonstration Team and the world’s largest rubber duck.
As well as amazing performers, the NAS Oceana Air Show will also have Ric Peterson as their official air show announcer and Wayne Boggs as the Air Boss. Peterson and Boggs are both well accredited in their respective fields. Peterson is an award winning broadcast journalist and has been the voice of multiple different air shows for almost 30 years. Boggs is considered one of the best air bosses in the country, with over 25 years of experience and 10 years spent serving his country as a United States Marine.
Aside from being an exciting event, the NAS Oceana Air Show is also dedicated to shaping the lives of children. Every year the air show opens its gates to fifth graders from all Virginia Beach City Public Schools and this year is also extending their reach to fifth graders in Chesapeake Public Schools.
The fifth graders are invited to the air show’s practice day where they can experience flight demonstrations and STEM engagements. The air show has a theme this year as well: “Inspire. Educate. Soar!” This theme recognizes NAS Oceana Air Show’s mission to inspire the young minds of the next generation.
The NAS Oceana Air Show is sure to be an exciting and fun filled day. Both days have the same scheduled events, so don’t worry if you can’t make it one day, you won’t miss anything. If you are interested and want to know more, have a look at the 2024 NAS Oceana Air Show’s website at www.oceanaairshow.com.
By Calee Lukowski
