On October 4th, Steve Hilton, a candidate for California governor, visited the Pacific Air Show area on the beach in Huntington Beach, California to seek support from residents for the upcoming election. He also took a photo with the RAF Falcons, the recently performed Royal Air Force parachute team.
Residents commented on Hilton’s relentless efforts in campaigning across California, regardless of the election outcome. Hilton, accompanied by individuals in U.S. Navy Fighter Weapons School uniforms, rode in a military convertible, attracting warm welcomes from the residents. The school’s “Top Gun” program is well-known because of the movie “Top Gun.”
As Hilton’s convoy made its way, residents chased after the military vehicles, giving Hilton opportunities to take photos and engage in conversations with them. Near the beach pier and boardwalk, he passionately shouted to the crowd, “Let’s reclaim California together.”
Born in the UK, Hilton served as a political advisor to former UK Prime Minister Cameron before immigrating to the US, where he worked as a conservative commentator and journalist. In early 2025, he announced his candidacy for California governor, advanced in the June 2026 primary election, and will compete against Democratic candidate Xavier Becerra next month.
The RAF Falcons is the sole military parachuting team in the UK fully funded by the government. The team members descend from high altitudes at a speed of 120 miles per hour, forming formations like the “heart shape” and “cross turns.”
Celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Pacific Air Show, the team participated in the event for the second time, showcasing astonishing performances. The show’s introduction material mentioned the possibility of issuing “adoption” documents because of the desire to retain the team.
Kira from the parachute team provided live commentary, ensuring the audience didn’t miss any thrilling moments. She explained that the team of nine parachutists ascended to high altitudes in a Royal Air Force C-17 transport plane, executed a “Safe Formation” after safely releasing parachutes, and then the team leader commanded smoke release to track their positions and create a visual spectacle in the sky.
Kira elaborated that upon the team leader’s “heart shape” command, the parachute canopy of each member would turn in the opposite direction of the team member ahead, creating multiple heart-shaped smoke trails in the sky. Following that, the team split with even numbers turning right in controlled maneuvers while odd numbers followed, maintaining a consistent radius, forming a spiral visual effect.
After each parachutist safely landed, Hilton congratulated them and took a group photo with all team members. Three team members are embarking on new life journeys, marking their last parachute activity with the team.