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Ocean City Air Show
Thunderbirds, F-35 stealth fighter in spotlight
The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds do one of their signature maneuvers – the reflection – during the 11th annual Ocean City Air Show. RON MACARTHUR PHOTOS
June 22, 2018
A member of the U.S. Special Operations Command Parachute Team brings in the U.S. Flag from 5,000 feet to start the air show.
The GEICO Skytypers perform precision flight maneuvers using World War-era planes.
A blast from the past and a look to the future. A World War era P-51 Mustang and a F-35 stealth fighter jet, the newest jet in U.S. arsenal, fly side by side as part of the Heritage Team.
Flying upside down is the theme of the show, and what people want to see. Pilot Scott Francis thrills the large crowd with his aerobic demonstration.
The Ocean City beach provides a unique setting for pilots and parachutists. A member of the U.S. Special Operations Command Parachute Team gets his gear together after a jump on the beach.
Two of the Thunderbirds prepare to break off formation.
A Thunderbirds pilot goes upside down during a pass along the Ocean City beachfront.
The six-member Thunderbirds crew begins their show as they fly in from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in nearby Wallops Island, Va,
The Thunderbirds release smoke as they fly skyward.
The stripes painted on this P-51 Mustang were painted on the bottoms of all Allied planes in World War II to let Allied soldiers know they were friendly.
The Thunderbirds fly within a few feet of one another.
The F-35 fighter jet is set to replace the F-16 as the standard fighter.
Pilot Andrew Olson talks about the F-35, the newest stealth fighter jet, during a June 15 press conference.
As soon as a Thunderbird lands, its crew goes into action in a fine-tuned ritual.
The Thunderbirds consist of eight jets with six used in shows.
Thunderbirds pilot Whit Collins flies in the No. 5 jet, doing upside-down maneuvers. All pilots must have combat experience and can serve two years on the squad.
A Thunderbird pilot brings his plane onto the tarmac at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility.
The 11th annual Ocean City Air Show June 16 and 17 featured an array of military performers.
