MILITARY PERFORMERS

U.S. NAVY BLUE ANGELS

The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, better known as the Blue Angels, has been the indisputable “star of the show” since the 1940s. Flying F/A-18 Hornets painted in Navy Blue and Gold since 1986, these masters of the sky have demonstrated aerial excellence in the Navy’s top piston and jet aircraft. Click here for more about the Blue Angels and their traveling companion, the Marine Corps C-130 named “Fat Albert.”

U.S. ARMY GOLDEN KNIGHTS

Cutting away a parachute on purpose. Passing a baton at 120 mph. Flying the American flag at 12,000 feet. Landing dead center on the target. The Golden Knights have been holding audiences in the palm of their hands all over the world with their feats of aerial acrobatics. Now in their 55th year of entertaining both young and old with their amazing aerial skills, the men and women of the Golden Knights continue to show why they are considered the world’s best parachute team.

U.S. NAVY LEAP FROGS

The U.S. Navy Parachute Team is a fifteen-man team comprised entirely of U.S. Navy SEAL and SWCC commandos. Each member comes to the team for a three year tour from one of the two Navy Special Warfare Groups located on the east and west coasts. On completion of the tour, members return to operational units. The parachute team began in 1969 when the Navy SEALS and Frogmen volunteered to perform at weekend air shows. The team was officially commissioned as the U.S. Navy Parachute Team “Leap Frogs” in 1974 by the Chief of Naval Operations and assigned the mission of demonstrating Navy excellence throughout the United States. The Leap Frogs support Navy recruiting efforts and promote the Naval Special Warfare community to the American public.

USMC F-35B Lightning Demo

Designed to operate from austere bases and a range of AVIATION-capable ships with its short takeoff/vertical landing capability, the F-35B can also takeoff and land conventionally from longer runways on major bases. F-35B aircraft have been delivered to the U.S. Marines and the United Kingdom whose forces are training together at the Integrated Training Center at Eglin Air Force Base. STOVL aircraft are also stationed at the first operational F-35 base, Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., and are completing flight test at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, MD. The Italian Air Force will also operate the B-variant.

Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Demo

The Marine Air-Ground Task Force Demonstration displays the coordinated use of close air support, armor, artillery and infantry forces. Hornets and Harriers provide cover for Marine Corps paratroopers as helicopters bring in platoons of riflemen. C-130’s provide aerial re-fueling overhead while M1-A1 tanks and LAV’s support the ground offensive. Spectacular special effects simulate air-to-ground explosions.

USAF F-22 Raptor Demo w/ P-51 Heritage Flight

The F-22 Raptor is a fifth-generation fighter incorporating fourth-generation stealth technology, radical maneuvering capabilities, the ability to fly at supersonic speed without afterburners and unprecedented pilot situational awareness, making it the most dominant and advanced air superiority fighter in the world. The legendary P-51 Mustang dominated the skies over Western Europe after it was introduced in World War II. The single-seat aircraft had a maximum speed of 437 miles per hour and could escort heavy bombers deep into the heart of Germany. The P-51 and the pilots that flew them were crucial to turning the tide of war in the Allies' favor.

USAF U-2 Dragon Lady

The U-2S Dragon Lady is an agile and reliable high-altitude intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft that flies 24/7/365 to ensure global security with unparalleled performance.

USAF C-17 West Coast Demo

The C-17 Globemaster III is the most flexible cargo aircraft to enter the airlift force. The C-17 is capable of rapid strategic delivery of troops and all types of cargo to main operating bases or directly to forward bases in the deployment area. The aircraft can perform tactical airlift and airdrop missions and can transport litters and ambulatory patients during aeromedical evacuations. The inherent flexibility and performance of the C-17 force improve the ability of the total airlift system to fulfill the worldwide air mobility requirements of the United States.

CIVILIAN PERFORMERS

RED BULL AIR FORCE (HELO, EDGE 540, WINGSUITS)

The Red Bull Air Force is a team assembled from the most accomplished and experienced aviation experts on the planet. They specialize in highly coordinated aerial jump demonstrations and continually push the limits of human flight.

Mike Goulian Aerobatics

Goulian Aerosports is a professional air show team that performs at air shows in North America. Pilot and aerobatic performer, Michael Goulian also competed in the Red Bull Air Race World Championship worldwide.

Jon Melby Aerobatics

As a young boy, Jon dreamed of becoming a pilot. When he saw legendary airshow pilot Bob Hoover perform at his hometown airshow, Jon said “That’s it… I want to become an airshow pilot!” The whole process of becoming an airshow pilot is very difficult, but oh so worth it.As a veteran airshow pilot, Jon performs at airshows throughout North America since 2002. It has given him a sense of satisfaction and a life purpose. Not just because he can demonstrate aerial antics in an airplane. It’s because he has the opportunity to meet so many people as he travels.

Rob Holland Aerobatics

Rob’s rise to the top started as a young airshow fan in his native New England. Earning his pilot’s license while still a teenager, Rob began flying aerobatics almost immediately, all while building valuable flight time and experience as a corporate pilot, commuter pilot, banner tower, flight instructor, ferry pilot, and operating his own aerobatic flight school. Now in his 18th year as a full-time airshow pilot, Rob has distinguished himself by blazing a trail of innovation, developing maneuvers never before seen at airshows.

Vicky Benzing Stearman Aerobatics

Born and raised in California, Vicky Benzing is an accomplished pilot, skydiver, aerobatic performer, and air racer. With over 9000 hours of flight time and over 1300 parachute jumps, Vicky has a passion for everything airborne. Her flying career has spanned nearly forty years and she currently holds an airline transport pilot rating as well as a commercial rating in helicopters, seaplanes, and gliders.

KENT PIETSCH COMEDY

Kent Pietsch fell in love with flying when he was four years-old. Five decades later, his passion has not waned. Since 1973, Kent has performed his incredible aerobatic routines for millions of people at more than 400 shows that have taken him to quality venues throughout the United States.

HOT STREAK JET TRUCK II

The Hot Streak Jet Truck II is a twin jet engine 57 Chevy Pickup capable of speeds of 350+MPH entertaining fans across the country for over 20 years. If you have an upcoming air show or drag racing event and are looking for a ground shaking heart pounding performance look no further than booking the Hot Streak II Jet Truck.

Rob Reider & MATT JOLLEY

Rob Reider is the most sought-after announcer on the North American Air Show circuit. His talents have earned him the highest award in the air show industry, the International Council of Air Shows “Sword of Excellence.” A former midwest television personality, Rob received 5 Emmy awards for his on-air performance and musical compositions. Rob announced his first air show in 1978 and made it his full-time vocation in 2006. Since then he’s announced over 250 shows from Maine to California to Japan. This season, Rob will be on the road announcing nearly two dozen shows from coast to coast. He also serves as the narrator coach for the Navy Blue Angels, USAF Thunderbirds, and the US Army Golden Knights Parachute Team. His show business acumen, his encyclopedic aviation knowledge, his experience, and his excitement have put Rob Reider at the top of the list as the voice of many of the largest and most important air shows on the continent.

Matt Jolley is a professional air show announcer and award winning journalist.  To most people, Matt’s known as the host of Warbird Radio LIVE and the founder of WarbirdRadio.com. The station boasts over 1 million downloads since its inception and in 2016 was the recipient of a National Edward R. Murrow Award for feature reporting (one of broadcastings highest honors). Between air shows and WarbirdRadio.com Matt’s microphone reached over 2 million people for 2017. Behind it all is Matt’s belief that these stories matter and must be preserved for future generations.  For more info click here: https://www.warbirdradio.com/

MUSICAL PERFORMERS & ANNOUNCERS

3D MAW BAND

The Third Marine Aircraft Wing Band was established for service during World War II. Soon after WWII ended, the band was deactivated and its members were sent to serve in Marine units in China and at Marine Corps Air Station Ewa, Hawaii. In 1952, the Third Marine Aircraft Wing Band was officially reactivated at Marine Corps Air Station Miami, Florida in support of the Korean conflict. In 1957, while the Third Marine Aircraft Wing relocated to Marine Corps Air Station El Toro in California, the band remained in Miami and was assigned to Marine Air Group (MAG) 31. Later, the musicians attached to MAG-31 were integrated into the Air Fleet Pacific Band, in Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, California. It was at this time that the band received the title of Third Marine Aircraft Wing Band. The Third Marine Aircraft Wing remained at El Toro until 1997, when Naval Air Station Miramar was converted to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California. From 1997 through 1999, all units relocated from Marine Corps Air Station El Toro to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar as part of the base realignment process. The band reported to its current location at MCAS Miramar in January 1999.