The annual Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana Air Show has featured decades of military and civilian air demonstrations that seem to defy gravity. The Blue Angels Air Squadron, the main event of the show, was formed in 1946 to not only show their professionalism but also to inspire public interest in the Navy and Marine Corps. Almost 70 years later, it is safe to say that the public is still interested.
The Oceana Air Show, a free, public event, was once again held at the U.S. Navy’s East Coast Master Jet Base in Virginia Beach.
The gates opened around 8 AM; people arrived from all directions to catch a glimpse of not only the Blue Angels but also the many other talented performers to put on their show. While other performances, such as the F/A-18F Rhino Demo and the F-22 Raptor Demonstration, executed complex tactical maneuvers, onlookers waited patiently for the Blue Angels to take to the sky.
According to the oceanaairshow.com website, the U.S. Blue Angels flight demonstration exhibits choreographed refinements of skills possessed by all naval aviators, including the famed diamond formation.
Senior Simao Martins attended the show this year, even though he had attended it when he was younger. Now older, it was a whole different experience.
“I haven’t been to the airshow since I was in middle school. It was very exciting to watch the Blue Angels. Last time I went, all I remember was planes doing cool tricks, but this year I really got the chance to enjoy the show. I’m excited to see what new tricks the aircraft will show next year,” Martins said.
Some events available for visitors on the ground to view or participate in include the S.T.E.M. Laboratory, which is a free, hands-on experience for students to learn about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
VBCPS elementary school students were offered the chance to attend the airshow as an S.T.E.M. field trip in an effort to promote more interest in science and math. The students were not disappointed, and many believed the show to be the “coolest thing they have ever seen”.
Additionally, static displays showcased a variety of military and commercial aircraft that people could view up close. Along with the displays, hundreds of vendors offered food, beverages, and retail stalls to sell their products on-site.
Overall, the annual NAS Airshow is an educational opportunity for people of all ages, proving time and time again to be another successful community tradition.
