Miramar Airshow 2024

MCAS Miramar Airshow once again was hosted during the last weekend of September at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, California, attracting over 700,000 people. 

Now Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, it was a Naval Air Station and the former location of the United States Navy Fighter Weapons School (NFWS), its TOPGUN training program and the movie of the same name. MCAS Miramar today it is home to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, which is the aviation element of the I Marine Expeditionary Force since October 1997.  It operates with Beechcraft UC-12W Huron and Cessna UC-35D Citation light transport/liaison aircraft, Bell Boeing MV-22B Osprey tiltrotors, Boeing F/A-18A/C/D Hornet and Lockheed Martin F-35C Lightning II fighters, Lockheed Martin KC-130J Hercules tanker/transports and Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters. 

Since it’s inception in 1953, this iconic event has been coined as “America’s Airshow” due to its sheer size and marketed as the largest military airshow in the US. The weather was excellent all weekend and there was lots to see and do. 

This airshow provides the audience with an inside look of the capabilities of the United States Marine Corps. It showcases unique static exhibits on the flight line to see up close with the majority of the aircraft consisted mostly of fixed and rotary assets belonging to the US Marine Corps home squadrons at MCAS Miramar, amongst other units such as the US Navy, US Air Force, US Army as well as several civilian aircraft.

The three day event had a powerful flying schedule which included a variety of both civilian and military performers with the main attractions being the MAGTF demo that provided an exclusive look into the US Marine Corps missions and capabilities, the US Navy Blue Angels, the US Air Force F-22 Raptor Demo and the US Marine Corps F-35B Demo amongst other performers.

Upon entering the ramp, one could notice the presence of the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress from Barksdale AFB as well as a KC-135R and C-17A from March AFB. Apart from the heavies the Air Force also sent one T-38 Talon and four F-15C Eagle aircraft from the 144 Fighter Wing California Air National Guard. One notably showing a combat victory marking on it’s portside from the Gulf War in 1991 when it shot down an Iraqi Air Force Su-22M (84-0014).

The US Navy’s presence was minimal and only consisted of three Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornets from originally based at MCAS Iwakuni and are part of Carrier Air Wing Five (CVW-5). Also a Lockheed EP-3E Aries II from Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron 1 “World Watchers” (VQ-1) was present in the static line up.

As mentioned earlier the majority of the remaining static lineup consisted of a large number of US Marine Corps assets from MCAS Miramar. Several Legacy F/A-18 Hornets from VMFA-232 Red Devils and VMFA-323 Death Rattlers were present at the static display.

One could also note the boss birds of both squadrons at the far end of the ramp at the flying line up. Both boss birds participated in the MAGTF demos during the three day show.

In addition to the legacy F/A-18 Hornets, there were also several Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning ll aircraft pertaining to the USMC on display, the latter are slowly taking over the roles occupied by the Hornet. The F-35 is a fifth-generation fighter and it comes in three variants, one for the Air Force that is a standard jet, one for the Navy that is designed to take off and land on aircraft carriers and one for the Marines that is designed for short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL).  The latter is the one that is generally demonstrated at air shows due to its unique hovering capability.

The F-35 static line up consisted of four aircraft from different USMC squadrons. Two variants were on show, One F-35C belonged to VMF-311 “Tomcats”, whilst three F-35B from VMFA-214 “Black Sheep”, VMX-1 “Flying Lions” and VMFAT-502 “Flying Nightmares” were also present. VMF-311 participated in the MAGTF demo with their F-35C whilst VMFAT-502 showcased their F-35B during the USMC F-35B Demo.

A large USMC rotary wing line up was also on display across the ramps of MCAS Miramar and consisted of several medium and heavy lift aircraft such as the MV-22B Osprey, CH-53E Super Stallion, Bell AH-1Z Viper and Bell UH-1Y Venom Helicopters. The largest aircraft in the USMC inventory, the KC-130J Super Hercules was also in the static line up. All the different examples mentioned above also participated in the MAGTF demo. Unfortunately all aircraft on static display were obstructed by tents set up by the different squadrons to sell their merchandise, hence the lack of static aircraft photos as this was close to impossible to capture them from a decent angle.

Other static exhibits consisted of local enforcement helicopters and several civilian and private aircraft. One interesting exhibit was the NASA McDonnell Douglas F/A-18B Hornet. This aircraft was delivered to the US Navy in 1981. By late 1986, it was moved to the Blue Angels. In October 1991, the NASA received the Hornet and registered the aircraft as N846NA. The aircraft is still active from NASA Armstrong at Edwards AFB.

MAGTF Demo

The Marine Air-Ground Task Force demonstration, showcased the integrated capabilities of the Marines and their ability to go into hostile territory and conduct missions in modern warfare scenarios. It is one of the unique aspects of the Miramar Airshow and one that the crowd really loved.

“The Marine Air Ground Task Force is our answer to the changing face of war. It is a complete combat force—integrating air, ground, and logistics elements under a single command.”

Maj. Clarke “Smokey” Saylor, CH-53E Super Stallion pilot and the demonstration’s narrator

During the demonstration, F-35C Lightning IIs from “VMFA-311” Tomcats and F/A-18C Hornets from “VMFA-232” Red Devils and “VMFA-323” Death Rattlers simulated bombing runs over the airfield as initial air strikes, as they roar passed the crowd doing amazing feats with their aircraft going at high speeds with special effects and pyrotechnics simulating the engagement.

From a point of view, the whole show was against the sun but pleased the photographers alike as vapor cones formed around the high-speed aircraft making some great photos.

Next AH-1Z Vipers from “HMLA-169” Vipers and “HMLA-369” Gunfighters made their entrance as they flew in with more simulated suppressive fire and provided cover for the recon Marines on board the UH-1Y Venoms from “HMLA 267” Stingers as they fast roped in and they laser pointed some targets for the fighter aircraft.

In the distance, two CH-53E Super Stallions from “HMH-465” Warhorses and “HMH-466” Wolfpacks demonstrated their dynamic heavy-lift capability as a 1st Marine Logistics Group Helicopter Support Team sling-loaded a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle and an M777 Howitzer artillery cannon.

Shortly thereafter, a KC-130J Super Hercules showcased a short, expeditionary airfield landing, when infantry Marines and Ultra Light Tactical Vehicles pour out, joining the recon Marines in security positions.

Three MV-22B Ospreys landed, as more infantry Marines exited the aircraft, demonstrating speed and discipline as they consolidated into a cinematic “assault” toward hundreds of thousands of spectators.

One final parade pass of all the air support completed the incredible demonstration.

“The MAGTF provides unmatched flexibility and speed, allowing Marines to execute missions ranging from humanitarian assistance to full-scale combat operations anywhere on the planet,” Saylor said. “This structure ensures that when crisis strikes, the Marine Corps is ready to respond with lethal force or vital aid at a moment’s notice.”

Attendees witnessed this not only during the MAGTF demonstration, but also across the flightline, as Marines interfaced with enthusiastic, inquisitive visitors of all ages and backgrounds.

USAF F-22 Raptor Demo 

The U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demo Team also participated at this year’s airshow with an awe-inspiring demo. Piloted by Captain Samuel “Razz” Larson, the F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team commander performed precision aerial maneuvers to demonstrate the unique capabilities of the world’s premier 5th generation fighter aircraft. The F-22 made sharp sudden turns, displacing and compress air into vapor. This enabled the Raptor to create its own weather system with massive clouds engulfing the jet throughout the whole display.  Across all three performances at MCAS Miramar over the weekend, Razz released infrared decoy flares during post-stall maneuvers. With the Raptor’s post-stall capabilities — thanks to its thrust vectoring, enormous thrust, and huge control surface, the deployment of flares punctuate certain dramatic maneuvers, really making the most out of them. This was Captain Larson’s last year as Demo Pilot for the F-22 Demonstration team. We wish him success in his flying career.

The F-22 also conducted a heritage flight alongside a P-51D Mustang from Planes of Fame Air Museum, showcasing the history of aviation. The P-51 Mustang, known as the ultimate piston-engined fighter of World War II, is also one of the most influential and successful warplanes ever built.

Red Bull Air Force

The Red Bull Air Force Team are known for pushing the boundaries of flight. At the Miramar Airshow the Red Bull Air Force Team display consisted of thrilling aerial maneuvers and aerobatics with their highly decorated aircraft. The Red Bull Air Force Team is assembled from accomplished and experienced aviation experts who specialise in highly coordinated aerial jump demonstrations.

USMC F-35B Demo

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 502 “Flying Nightmares” (VMFAT-502), also conducted an aerial demonstration during the three day event. Perhaps this was the loudest display from all participants, with the general public witnessing the F-35B West Coast Demo Team, piloted by Major Craig “Brembo” Norris delivering this solo performance showcasing the aircraft’s short take off and vertical landing capability. The F-35 is also one of the latest and most capable aircraft in the world.  If you haven’t seen one operate, we highly recommend it.

USN Blue Angels

This event is mostly sought after by visitors from across the world to witness the highly anticipated U.S. Navy Blue Angels flight demonstration squadron team, that ended each show with precision aerobatic maneuvers at very low altitude, a showstopper wherever they perform. The mission of the Blue Angels is to showcase the teamwork and professionalism of the United States Navy and Marine Corps through flight demonstrations and community outreach while inspiring a culture of excellence and service to country.

The Blue Angels are incredibly precise and kept the spectators on their feet the entire time of the show. The Blue Angels has been representing the US Navy and Marine Corps in aerial shows throughout the United States and abroad since 1946. The unit is the second oldest formal aerobatic team in the world, following the Patrouille de France which formed in 1931. The team has six Navy and one Marine Corps demonstration pilots. They fly the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet and the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules.

For most of the show, four of the jets flew as a formation whilst the remaining two jets performed as opposing solo acts.

Fat Albert is the affectionately-named C-130 that the Blue Angels use for crew and part transport. It is unmistakable in its Blue Angel paint scheme and always a crowd-pleaser. Manned by an all USMC Crew, the C-130J Super Hercules started the display with it’s low transition takeoff, followed by several passes executed in order from all directions of the show centre. It was truly a remarkable show and a great introduction to the Blue Angels team. Fat Albert flies more than 100,000 miles across the US during the complete airshow season carrying equipment, maintenance and support crew of about 50 personnel.

Following the C-130J display, the Blue Angels show started before they left the ground as the team demonstrated their precision and uniformity of how they approached the aircraft and saluted their crew chiefs before starting up for the show.

We would like to thank the MCAS Miramar Communication Strategy and Operations office for this great opportunity to cover this event and we hope to return soon for another great air show.