NAS Oceana 2024 Air Show Performers & Statics
We will continue to update the website with additional incredible civilian and military performers. Stay tuned!
Last updated on Wednesday, September 4, 2024.
The U.S. Navy Blue Angels
The Blue Angels will return to the 2024 NAS Oceana Air Show to showcase the teamwork and professionalism of the United States Navy and Marine Corps, while inspiring a culture of excellence and service to the community. A Blue Angels flight demonstration exhibits choreographed refinements of skills possessed by all naval aviators. It includes the graceful aerobatic maneuvers of the four-plane Diamond Formation, in concert with the fast-paced, high-performance maneuvers of its two Solo Pilots. Finally, the team illustrates the pinnacle of precision flying, performing maneuvers locked as a unit in the renowned, six-jet Delta Formation. It’s easy to see why their performances attract millions of spectators during air shows each year!www.blueangels.navy.mil
F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team
This year, we are thrilled to welcome back the F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team, stationed at Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Hampton, Virginia. Get ready to witness 43,340 pounds of advanced air superiority and supermaneuvrability of the F-22 Raptor, executing complex tactical maneuvers beyond the capabilities of any other fighter aircraft. You won’t want to miss this display of the most dominant fighter in the world!
https://www.jble.af.mil/About-Us/Units/Langley-AFB/F-22-Demo-Team/
F-35C II Lightning Demonstration Team
We are proud to welcome the F-35C Lightning II Demonstration team back to the NAS Oceana Air Show this year to perform a variety of aerial maneuvers in the Navy's newest fighter and it's only 5th generation stealth aircraft. The pilots and aircraft from the VFA-125 “Rough Raiders,” stationed at NAS Lemoore, Calif., will provide just a glimpse of the incredible flying characteristics and power of this mighty machine, while showcasing the advanced training taught to every Navy and Marine Corps Aviator to fly the F-35C.
F/A-18F Rhino Demo Team
NAS Oceana’s very own Rhino Demo Team will be back to perform heart-stopping maneuvers in the Navy’s high performance, twin-engine, carrier-capable, multirole fighter aircraft, the F/A-18 Super Hornet. Hailing from VFA-106, the “Gladiators,” LT Sam “POPO” Vermilyea, LT Sam “Shy Ronnie” Magilke, LT Jake “Dancing Bear” Brouker, and LT Marty “Grouse” Wilson demonstrate the supreme capabilities of the mighty Super Hornet, which has earned a reputation as the backbone of the Navy’s carrier air wing and a workhorse within the fleet.
Air Power Demonstration
Make sure you have your cameras ready for this signature NAS Oceana Air Show performance! The sky will darken when this “aluminum overcast” passes over the crowd as locally based squadrons show their colors. The number and type of aircraft that participate is different every year, so you’ll just have to wait and see how loud the “sound of freedom” will be!
The Fleet Flyby
Make sure you have your cameras ready for this signature NAS Oceana Air Show performance! The sky will darken when this “aluminum overcast” passes over the crowd as locally based squadrons show their colors. The number and type of aircraft that participate is different every year, so you’ll just have to wait and see how loud the “sound of freedom” will be!
CF-18 Demonstration Team
We're thrilled to welcome the Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18 Demonstration Team this year to the NAS Oceana Air Show!
The year 2024 marks 100 years of service for the RCAF as a distinct military element. The CF-18 Demo Team is proud to represent Canada and the RCAF throughout the 2024 demonstration season in celebration of the RCAF’s Centennial.
Throughout the 2024 Centennial season a specially painted CF-18 Hornet, featuring a unique commemorative paint job, will wow audiences at 18 locations across Canada and one in the United Kingdom as part of Operation INSPIRATION 2024.
https://www.canada.ca/en/air-force/services/showcasing/cf-18-demonstration-team.html
Navy Legacy Flight
The Navy Legacy Flight Foundation program matches today's frontline military fighters with their predecessors in close flight maneuvers at air shows nationwide. USN F/A-18F "Rhino" fighters, F/A-18G "Growler" Electronic Countermeasure aircraft, and F-35C Lightning II fly on the wings of World War II, Korean and Vietnam era fighters in an amazing tribute to Naval Aviators both past and present.
The U.S. Navy's TACDEMO teams from VFA-106 and VFA-122 are the U.S. Navy's Legacy Flight teammates. These talented active duty aviators fly the dynamic Super Hornet tactical demonstrations that precede our Navy Legacy flights. Strike Fighter Squadron 122 (VFA-122), also known as the "Flying Eagles", are the west coast team and Strike Fighter Squadron 106 (VFA-106), also known as the "Gladiators", are the east coast team.
Starting in 2022, all types of the U.S. Navy training aircraft will also be doing static demonstrations at airshows and performing Legacy Flights with the fighters and legacy warbird aircraft. The Navy approves a select group of civilian pilots to fly their warbirds in formation with the TACDEMO and F-35C aircraft. Intensive training and preparation are the focus of a week-long mission each spring to prepare the pilots for safe and enjoyable demonstrations all over the U.S.
Jarrod Lindemann of Rad Aerosports
Jarrod Lindemann knew he would become a part of airshow history after seeing his first airshow and doing his first aerobatic performance. To date, Jarrod has logged thousands of hours in everything from training aircraft to private jets.
In 2020, Jarrod acquired the Jet Waco, a Taperwing Waco modified with the addition of a Learjet engine. Snap rolls, spins, barrel rolls, and hovers are a few of the tricks this aircraft is capable of, in addition to reaching speeds of up to 250 mph. The aircraft can even accelerate while climbing straight up, because its thrust-to-weight ratio is greater than 1:1! With the Jet-Waco, Jarrod has realized a lifetime ambition of his to serve as an inspiration to young aviators everywhere.
The mission of Team RAD is to inspire and excite individuals of all ages to take up flying.
Air Show Announcer Ric Peterson
We are pleased to welcome Ric Peterson this year as our air show announcer! He is also an award winning broadcast journalist, and has been a voice over talent, and radio and TV host for over 30 years. You may know Ric as the voice of Fleet Week San Francisco, the Los Angeles County Air Show, The Canadian National International Air Show in Toronto, Friendship Day MCAS Iwakuni Japan, and the Sanicole Airshow in Belgium. Additionally, Ric is an Honorary Member of the Snowbirds Jet Demonstration team.
Air Boss - Wayne Boggs
The man, the myth, the legend RETURNS! We’re thrilled to welcome back our civilian Air Boss, Wayne Boggs, to the flight line this year.
As president and owner of Air Boss and Consulting International Inc, Wayne G Boggs is recognized as one of the top Air Bosses in the country. For over 25 years he has assisted in the production and execution of an average of 18-25 air shows each year. Wayne served his country for 10 years in the United States Marine Corps, in addition to 30 years working for the FAA.
World’s Largest Rubber Duck
For the first time, the NAS Oceana Air Show will be hosting the World’s Largest Rubber Duck. Although this bird is flightless, the sheer size of it is truly something to behold. Affectionately named “Mama Duck”, this colossal yellow duck has been seen all over the world. Serving to inspire, this astonishing rubber giant will have you feeling awestruck and nostalgic. Keep your eye out for this Big Duck, it’s something you’re not going to want to miss.
Michael Goulian
We are thrilled to have Mike Goulian at Oceana again! American air show performer, former Red Bull Air Race Pilot, and aviation author, Mike Goulian has a crisp and athletic style of flying that makes him a favorite of fans worldwide. Mike learned to fly in 1984, flew his first air show a few years later, flew his first Red Bull Air Race in 2006, and has won numerous aviation awards in aerobatic competitions, for aviation industry accomplishments, and air racing. He spends much of his free time advocating general aviation with leaders in the industry to improve safety, and promote aviation to all ages. You will not want to miss watching his Extra 330SC perform gravity defying feats right in front of your eyes.
Warbird Thunder
The NAS Oceana Airshow is happy to announce that for the first time we will be hosting the Warbird Thunder Airshow Team! This tandem aerobatic performance is like nothing you’ve ever seen. Watch this talented duo perform graceful formation aerobatic maneuvers in their SNJ-2 and SNJ-3 aircraft. These historical aircraft were used to train U.S. Navy and Marine Corp aviators throughout both WWII and the Korean War. 80 years later, these aircraft are still taking the skies and providing audiences with a powerful spectacle.
Smoke and Thunder Jet Dragster
Is that a jet engine in the back of that car? Get ready for nearly 400 mph and 10,000lbs of thrust from this amazing performer. The Jet Dragster is powered by a Westinghouse J34-48, and engine that was originally used the North American Buckeye T-2A aircraft.
Quality Airshow Sound
Bill started at a young age in the audio-visual field. He served on the audio-visual club in middle school. At the age of 11, Bill started by helping his father work a part-time position at a local drive-in theatre as a projectionist. When his father decided to end his part-time job, Bill took over the job at age 13. When the regional manager saw Bill using a wooden coke crate to stand on to reach one of the tall (for a short 13-year-old) to place the film on the projectors, he was left speechless. Bill comes from a family of inventors his grandfather holds several patents for bowling machines (Troiano Ball Lift). His great grandfather holds a patent on the rubber heel shoe. Bill's love for flying led him to get his private pilot's license at his local airport. When asked to provide sound at the first airshow at Culpeper Regional Airport, Bill jumped at the opportunity. He has provided sound at the Culpeper Airfest for 20 years.
U.S. Navy EOD Jump Team
If you thought explosives weren’t enough, add in a high-altitude freefall out of an airplane. As one of the most dangerous professions in the military, the U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit locate, identify, render safe, and explosively dispose of ordnance and explosive devices to ensure safe access during military operations. To top it off, they also conduct freefall parachute insertions. The Navy EOD Jump Team will conduct a simulated High Altitude High Opening freefall jump, a technique used to airdrop personnel at high altitudes when aircraft are unable to fly above enemy locations. See for yourself how these brave professionals willingly put themselves in harm’s way to protect the lives and property of others.
Firewalkers International Pyro
Ready for the heat?? We are pleased to announce that Firewalkers International LLC will be once again providing exciting, loud, HOT and safe Pyrotechnic shows during the 2023 NAS Oceana Air Show. The Firewalkers have worked closely with some of the most exciting civilian flight demonstration teams, ground shows and military teams from virtually every branch of the service. Get ready for an unforgettable, HIGH energy pyrotechnics display that spectators of all ages will love!
Redline Airshows
Get ready to experience the thrill of flight from The Redline Team! This father-son duo formation team delivers thrilling aerobatic performances across North and Central America in their custom-built Van’s Aircraft RV-8s. Ken Rieder, the flight lead, has over 36 years of experience and 13,000 flight hours, and was inspired by the Blue Angels as a child. He shared his love of flight with his son, Austin, who started flying at age 14 and now serves as the team's wingman. Together, they captivate audiences with high-energy aerobatics and that bring the thrill of flight to life!
Aarron Deliu
Hailing from all the way “Down Under” in Australia, Aarron Deliu awes audiences with his passion, energy and precision. Aarron Deliu is an aerobatics pilot that performs high-adrenaline aerobatics for competitions in Australia and around the world. He is an aviation advocate with a goal to encourage people of all ages to share his passion, and to encourage youth to take their own careers in aviation.
Skydive Suffolk Demonstration Team
We are thrilled to welcome the Skydive Suffolk Demonstration team who will jump in the American Flag to kick off the air show each day. Jumping out of ARNE Aviation's C23A Sherpa, their hi-performance jumpers will 'swoop' in at high speeds, circling towards earth in a spiral to build up speed before leveling off and landing right in front of the crowd. The demonstration team will also show off their skills Saturday evening at Beach Blast with an exciting jump at dusk right onto the beach at the oceanfront, jumping with LED suits and pyro. You won't want to miss it!!
Skydive Suffolk is open Friday-Monday and is located in Suffolk, VA about 40 minutes from the VB oceanfront. Skydive Suffolk has been around since 1960, showing Hampton Roads and beyond the joy of skydiving from almost 14,000ft. Make sure to say hi to our jumpers and come visit our booth if you want to learn more about how you can take the leap!
