VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — The NAS Oceana Air Show is making its return to Virginia Beach in September 2023, officials announced Tuesday morning.
NAS Oceana Commanding Officer Capt. Steve Djunaedi announced the show's return during a Tuesday morning news conference.
The show is set to take place on Sept. 16 and 17, the second year back since a two-year hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Djunaedi said the Blue Angels, the flight demonstration team of the U.S. Navy, will once again make an appearance, along with the F-18 Rhino Demo Team, the Gladiators of VFA106 and the F-35C Demo Team.
This year’s theme is "50 Years of Women in Naval Aviation," honoring women in naval aviation and remembering the first six women who graduated from flight school and earned their Wings of Gold.
“In 1973, the first eight women began flight school in Pensacola, Florida," Djunaedi said. "One year later, six of these eight women earned their Wings of Gold. Our Nation and our Navy is stronger because of their service.”
“I am forever grateful for the women that have come before me and empowered the opportunities I have today,” said Cmdr. Melissa Moravan, the commanding officer of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VR) 56, the “Globemasters,” featuring the C-40A Clipper.
Mayor Bobby Dyer said this base is also marking another milestone.
“This year makes 80 years since the valuable base was commissioned in August of 1943 and over time has become a jewel of the City of Virginia Beach,” Mayor Dyer said.
Dyer said it’s another reason to attend the event. After the base saw more than 300,000 people last year, Capt. Djunaedi is making sure safety is top of mind.
“We learned a lot from last year and our number one top priority is the safety and efficiency of traffic flow on and off the base," Djunaedi said.
VR-56’s hangar will host a variety of engaging Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) activities during the air show.
The 2023 NAS Oceana Air Show is open to the public, and admission and parking are free. The performance schedule is under development and will be announced as the event nears.