There wasn’t a single cloud in the sky as service members aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., opened its gates to the public for the 2016 MCAS Miramar Air Show Sept. 23 to 25.
The theme for this year’s event was “Celebrating 100 years of the Marine Corps Reserve,” recognizing the contributions of Reserve units past and present across the globe.
“The Marine Corps Reserve was founded in 1916 by Woodrow Wilson during World War I and since then have fought in some of the Marine Corps’ most famous battles,” said Col. Jason Woodworth, commanding officer of MCAS Miramar. “These are people that live and work in the community every single day, but also are Marines, and the chance to recognize them is very important to us.”
The MCAS Miramar flight line filled with people watching this year’s featured performers demonstrate exciting military aerial maneuvers, which included presentations by the U. S. Navy Blue Angels the U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team, and the Marine Air-Ground Task Force demonstration.
Along with the incredible military demonstrations, the air show featured exciting civilian aerial presentations. Those performances included the Breitling Jet Team, the Oracle Challenger, John Collver’s War Dog, Steve Stavrakakis, Sail Plane Magic, along with the Shockwave Jet Truck and Dan Buchanan with his flying colors hang glider.
“I’m really enjoying the airshow, the MAGTF and all the different demonstrations they are doing,” said Matthew Pollacek, a spectator from Rochester, New York. “I think it’s awesome that the Marine Corps hosts the airshow and lets the public on base because it gives us the opportunity to show our respect for all that they do.”
Along with the spectacular show in the sky, the public could walk the flight line and enjoy a plethora of static displays, vehicle displays, purchase air show merchandise, choose a meal from the many different vendors, and talk one-on-one with service members of all branches.
According to Woodworth, the air show gives the Marines and Sailors a chance to show the public what they do every day and show their appreciation for them.
“This is the time that we get to open our gates to the community of San Diego and say thank you for what you do in support of us every single day of the year,” said Woodworth. “It’s our privilege to have [the public] here on the air station.”
Story by Lance Cpl. Harley Robinson