Thousands are expected to flock to Jones Beach this Memorial Day weekend for this year’s Bethpage Air Show, as the United States Air Force Thunderbirds and Army Golden Knights parachute team descend on Long Island to headline the annual two-day set of death-defying aerial stunts.
The event will take place May 23 and 24 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., back from last year’s 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and also feature the debut of the Breitling Jet team, joining other various acts.
“Over 360,000 spectators chose the Bethpage Air Show as their Memorial Day holiday weekend destination in 2009, when the Thunderbirds last visited. We are confident that their return to Long Island in 2015 will draw in a sizeable crowd as well,” said Linda Armyn, senior vice president of corporate strategy at Bethpage Federal.
“Memorial Day weekend is an important time to honor the men and women of our country’s military, which is exactly what the Thunderbirds demonstration squadron is all about — to honor and share the story of our nation’s military who have served and currently serve at locations around the world,” Armyn continued.
Other acts include the Canadian Forces CF-18 demonstration team, Sean D. Tucker, Team Oracle, Lt. Col. John Klatt, Air National Guard, the John Klatt Airshows, Screamin’ Sasquatch Jet Waco Aerobatic Team, GEICO Skytypers, Miss GEICO Speedboat, American Airpower Warbirds and David Windmiller.
More than 317,700 people attended last year’s event, including 231,532 during the Sunday portion.
Formed in 1953, the Thunderbirds are making their fourth appearance at the air show with a performance expected to feature approximately 40 moves, including formation flying and solo routines.
The U.S. Navy Blue Angels, which headlined last year’s event, will not be performing this year, as they are booked to fly in Rochester, according to reports.
“We are especially thrilled to welcome back the United States Air Force Thunderbirds to Long Island for their fourth headlining appearance at the Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach,” said George Gorman, deputy regional director of the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
“We welcome the team back to Long Island with great enthusiasm,” Gorman added.
