VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — After a two-year break because of the pandemic, the NAS Oceana Air Show is returning for its annual celebration in Virginia Beach.
The last proper show with spectators was in 2019, three years ago. In 2020, they did a virtual show. And last year, nothing at all.
"Back to the Beach" will be a week full of aviation performances, educational opportunities, and entertainment that ends with the final shows on September 17 and 18.
"NAS Oceana is excited to open our gates and share with our community why we’re the Navy’s East Coast Master Jet Base,” said NAS Oceana Commanding Officer, Capt. Bob Holmes. “We’re honored to be part of this amazing community, and I am looking forward to showcasing our team and sharing the wealth of festivities scheduled throughout the week, including ‘STEM’ day with students from Virginia Beach City Public Schools, and the ‘Beach Blast’ celebration Saturday night!”
Oceana Command Master Chief Deandre Beaufort is excited the show is coming back.
"It's bringing a vibe back to the base. To have the Blues at the air show, and basically have the public come and show our appreciation and also having a great mix with the military and the community," he said.
The show will include the Navy F-35C Lightning II Demo Team, the U.S. Air Force's F-16 Viper Demo Team, and, the Oceana-based Rhino Demo Flight Team, VFA-106.
"We could not be more excited to just be representing our squadron here, for the local community," said Lieutenant Commander Zach Drum, a VFA-106 pilot. "We get so much love and support. All of our families are here, so much prior military is here. So, it's truly an honor and we're incredibly honored to showcase that for everybody."
The Blue Angels, the Navy's elite flight demonstration squadron, will be headlining. It's their first time at Oceana since 2018.
Gates open to the public each day at 8 a.m. and flying starts at 10 a.m. And, best of all, it's free.
The Navy says more than 200,000 people are expected to attend this weekend.