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Guide to Air Shows and Demonstrations

Have you ever felt the ground shake as an F/A-18 Hornet buzzed overhead? Or stood by as four jets flew so close to each other that their wings almost touch?  Air demonstrations and trade shows provide an opportunity for people to see U.S. military air capabilities in action and meet the service members who fly and maintain the equipment. Visit these resources to find out what shows are happening in your area.

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Air Combat Command is responsible for scheduling aerial and public display of aircraft including the F-22 Raptor, F-16 Viper and the A-10 Thunderbolt II demonstration teams, in addition to the U.S. Air Force Heritage Flight program.
A jet takes off.
F-22 Raptor
An Air Force F-22 Raptor from the 95th Fighter Squadron retracts its landing gear during takeoff at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., June 14, 2018. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Isaiah J. Soliz
Photo By: Airman 1st Class Isaiah Soliz
VIRIN: 180614-F-XK019-913C
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The Air Force's air demonstration squadron, the Thunderbirds, performs precision maneuvers demonstrating the capabilities of high performance aircraft and exhibits the professional qualities the Air Force develops in the people who fly, maintain and support the aircraft. 
Jets pass each other in the air.
Arctic Thunder
Members of the Thunderbirds, the Air Force’s flight demonstration team, perform precision aerial maneuvers during the Arctic Thunder Open House at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, June 30, 2018. Air Force photo by Alejandro Peña
Photo By: Alejandro Peña
VIRIN: 180630-F-YH552-0010D
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The Army's Golden Knights are one of only three DoD-sanctioned aerial demonstration teams, along with the Navy's Blue Angels and the Air Force's Thunderbirds. The team is comprised of about 95 men and women, which includes four parachute units, an aviation unit and a headquarters.
A man jumps out of an airplane.
Army Golden Knights
A U.S. Army Golden Knights gold demonstration team member jumps out of an aircraft during the AirPower Over Hampton Roads JBLE Air and Space Expo at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., May 20, 2018. The team conducts demonstrations, competitions and tandem jumps to connect the Army with the American public. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Tristan Biese
Photo By: Airman 1st Class Tristan Biese
VIRIN: 180520-F-XK411-1129
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Navy Tactical Demonstration teams perform at events with a range of aircraft and equipment.
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The Blue Angels strive to embody a commitment to excellence and passion for naval aviation. The team consists of  130 active-duty sailors and Marines, each one bringing experience and expertise from their service.
An airman stands in front of a jet.
Blue Angels
An air marshal for the Blue Angels, the Navy’s flight demonstration squadron, stands at attention in front of an F/A-18 Hornet during a demonstration at the Sound of Speed Airshow at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, Mo., Aug. 26, 2018. Missouri Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Patrick Evenson
Photo By: Staff Sgt. Patrick Evenson
VIRIN: 180825-Z-YI114-174C
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The Navy Parachute Team, the Leap Frogs, demonstrate excellence by performing precision aerial maneuvers in support of Navy public outreach.
A man parachutes with a flag attached to him.
Navy Leap Frogs
A member of the Navy Leap Frogs parachutes with an American flag during the Sound of Speed Air Show at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, Mo., Aug. 26, 2018. The air show was hosted by the Missouri Air National Guard’s 139th Airlift Wing and the city of St. Joseph to thank the community for their support. Missouri Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Patrick Evenson
Photo By: Staff Sgt. Patrick Evenson
VIRIN: 180825-Z-YI114-075

(This article was originally published Sept. 14, 2018) 

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