Bethpage Federal Credit Union, New York State’s largest credit union, and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation have announced details for the 15th Annual Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach. Taking place Memorial Day Weekend, Saturday, May 26 and Sunday, May 27, the show will return to a 10 a.m. start time and conclude at 3 p.m.
“This year we have a remarkable lineup of world-class performers, and are very pleased to welcome back the United States Navy Blue Angels to Long Island. We are also especially excited to be included in the Grunt Style Air Show Majors Tour, which unites the most prestigious air shows in the country,” said George Gorman, deputy regional director of New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. “The tour was developed to help increase awareness for the air show industry, so we look forward to welcoming many new guests to Jones Beach for our amazing show.”
Two jet teams will perform at the Air Show including show headliners, the legendary United States Navy Blue Angels, returning to the Bethpage Air Show for their eighth performance during their 72nd anniversary season. The U.S. Navy Blue Angels will give the final performance of the show at approximately 2 p.m. The Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds, who last performed at the show in 2016, will be making their fourth performance at the Air Show where they will perform more than 50 different formations and maneuvers for fans.
The F-22 Raptor, the United States Air Force’s newest fighter aircraft, which performs both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, will also make an appearance at the 15th anniversary show. The F-22 was designed to project air dominance, rapidly and at great distances, and defeat threats attempting to deny access to our nation’s Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps. The F-22 cannot be matched by any known or projected fighter aircraft. The F-22 will perform for crowds with its own remarkable demonstration, as well as alongside the United States Air Force Heritage Flight Team for a special aerial performance.
Other exciting performers at this year’s Bethpage Air Show include the United States Army Golden Knights Parachute Team, performing in their 13th Bethpage Air Show; legendary air show pilot Sean Tucker performing in his custom-built Oracle Challenger II biplane; extraordinary aerobatic pilot Matt Chapman; the John Klatt Airshows—Jack Links’ Screamin’ Sasquatch Jet Waco Aerobatic Team; the world famous GEICO Skytypers and their flight squadron of six vintage WWII aircraft; the American Airpower Museum Warbirds; Long Island’s own David Windmiller; the Yankee Lady B17, our hometown, 106th Air Rescue Wing will show their support by performing a HC-130 and HH-60 fly-by demonstration; and new for their third air show performance, the SUNY Farmingdale State College Flying Rams who will fly seven of their 22 college-owned aircraft in a fly-by piloted by their top academic professional pilot performers.
“The Bethpage Air Show is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, due in large part to the endless enthusiasm and passion of our audience,” said Linda Armyn, senior vice president of Corporate Affairs, Bethpage. “We are all privileged to be able to continue to honor our nation’s military by bringing many of the world’s best military and civilian performers together for a show of this magnitude. The Bethpage Air Show has become a celebrated Long Island tradition, and we looking forward to another wonderful show.”
Two years ago, when the Blue Angels last headlined the show, the Bethpage Air Show had record breaking attendance with 453,000 spectators. Last year, more than 347,000 fans attended the Bethpage Air Show when the United States Air Force Thunderbirds headlined the show.
The Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach can be heard in its entirety on WHLI 1100 and 1370 AM. Bethpage Air Show announcers will lead air show activities from the Jones Beach State Park Central Mall Boardwalk area where food, beverages and ground activities will be available for fans. The show is free to the public, but the standard $10 vehicle use fee will be collected each day upon entry to the State Park. For the 2018 NYS Empire Passport holders, there is no vehicle use fee charge.
For up-to-date information about this year’s show, visit www.bethpageairshow.com or www.facebook.com/BethpageAirShow, or contact the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Regional Office, Recreation Department at 631-321-3510.
