Blue Angels and Thunderbirds together this weekend at the California Airshow

The Pacific Airshow in Huntington Beach, Calif., May have been canceled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it’s back this year – and as the event organizer says, it will be “better than ever”.

Here’s why: For just the second time in U.S. history, all three of North America’s jet teams – the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, and the Canadian Forces Snowbirds – are joining forces. will perform together at an air show. The Thunderbirds were scheduled to appear in another airshow that was canceled, so they were added to the lineup this week.

“To say it’s an honor that the Thunderbirds are joining us again would be an understatement,” said Kevin Elliott, event director. “The 2021 Pacific Airshow lineup will become a legend, with kids growing up saying: I remember when the three North American jet teams flew to Huntington Beach together. ”

An air show enthusiast’s dream

The Pacific Airshow will be held in Huntington Beach on Friday October 1st; Saturday October 2; and Sunday October 3. The aerial dynamic will take place on the three days from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm approximately.

The Thunderbirds, flying Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcons, will launch their new routine which includes “formations that tell a story of patriotism, American ingenuity, teamwork and inspiration,” the air show explains. . Part of the routine also includes a new maneuver called “Quick Recovery”.

The United States Navy Blue Angels are celebrating their 75th anniversary this year. Aviation fans can search for the squadron to launch their new F / A-18 Super Hornet aircraft.

The Canadian Forces Snowbirds aerobatic team celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Fans can expect to see the nine-jet squadron formations flying with just 4 feet between the ends of the jets.

The United States Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey Demonstration Team will also make a rare appearance, flying the Boeing-built double-tilt rotor aircraft. What is remarkable is that the aircraft combines the agility of a helicopter with the high-speed performance of a turboprop aircraft.

Finally, no airshow is complete without precision parachute teams. As you might expect, The Golden Knights, the US Army’s Air Parachute Demonstration Team, and The Leap Frogs, the US Navy’s Parachute Team, will also be performing.

While the air show is free, tickets for special seats on the sand or on the pier start at $ 25. You can read more about ticket information here.

Wait, there is more

Airshow events actually begin on the water, with the “Ocean Cup” boat race. Participants will depart the Sunset Aquatic Marina in Huntington Harbor at 7:30 am, proceed to Catalina Island, and then return to the harbor. After that, the boats will be on display on Main Street on Saturday and Sunday.

Then the “Afterburner Music Festival” will take place on Friday and Saturday evening after the airshow.

Friday night’s headliners will be singer, guitarist and songwriter Sammy Hagar and his band Sammy Hagar & The Circle. Band members include Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony, guitarist Vic Johnson and Jason Bonham, drummer and son of Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham.

“I’m a beach guy, and it doesn’t get any better than playing music on the beach,” Sammy Hagar said. “The Afterburner Music Festival is going to be one hell of a show – the Blue Angels’ performance at the Pacific Airshow will be epic. And playing “Dreams” as a tribute to Van Halen during the year of the Blue Angels’ 75th anniversary will be surreal. ”

The headliner of the Saturday show is award-winning country music artist Sam Hunt. It will be accompanied by performances by X Ambassadors and Grammy nominated Cassadee Pope, the first female winner of The voice.

If you are going to be in the area, you can find ticket information here and parking information here.

Know before you go

The Pacific Airshow is an outdoor outdoor event on the beach. Proof of vaccination will not be required, and although face masks are not required, they are recommended. The state of California strongly recommends that guests be fully vaccinated or test negative for COVID-19 before attending an outdoor event.

You can read more about the COVID-19 guidelines at the Pacific Airshow here. You can read more about the current California Department of Public Health guidelines here.
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