On April 12th, the first day of the Southern California Air Show, held once every two years at the March Air Reserve Base in Riverside County, Southern California, delighted aviation enthusiasts. The two-day event is one of the largest and longest-running air shows in the United States.
The Air Show director highlighted the significance of the March Air Reserve Base, which has been a proud hub for various Air Force aircraft for over a hundred years. The base hosted its first air show in 1997 to commemorate its 100th anniversary and has since become a biennial event showcasing the history of the United States Air Force, from the establishment of the Army Air Corps to the modern Air Force.
Established during World War I in 1918 and named after the military aviator Peyton C. March II, the March Air Reserve Base served as the headquarters for the Air Force for 50 years. Today, it is a reserve base for the Air Force, along with units from the Navy Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, California Air National Guard, and California Army National Guard stationed there.
Colonel Sean Ferguson, the director of the air show, emphasized that besides military aircraft, the weekend event also featured displays from fire departments, customs and border protection agencies, and police tactical vehicles. The air show aimed to provide free entertainment for the public while giving emergency responders a chance to showcase their work.
With support from several local sponsors, the organizers estimated that the two-day air show attracted around 400,000 spectators. Many people set up chairs near their vehicles in the vast parking lots to watch the aerial displays. The exhibition area offered a variety of aircraft for observation, along with family-friendly food, games, and boarding tours for children.
Children eagerly lined up to board the HH-60W “Whiskey” helicopter, the latest search and rescue helicopter deployed by the military. This advanced helicopter boasts an extended refueling rod, allowing for long-distance flights comparable to fighter jets, with curved rotor blade tips to minimize resistance and increase speed.
Visitors also had the opportunity to explore a massive HC-130J aircraft, guided by Air Force Senior Master Sergeant Genovieve De La Cruz. She explained that the HC-130J is the newest version of the rescue aircraft, specializing in search and rescue missions, including emergency medical assistance and the rescue of individuals in various environments, land, water, or adverse conditions.
The HC-130J aircraft serves multiple functions, such as aerial refueling for helicopters and fighter jets, airdropping paratroopers, boats, vehicles, medical supplies, and food, as well as transporting cargo. With short take-off capabilities, it can accommodate up to 96 individuals, with most passengers seated on the floor and secured with straps, or up to 74 personnel when transporting casualties.
Over 20 aircraft from across the United States participated in the aerial demonstrations during the two-day event. One of the standout performances was Kent Pietsch’s “Dead-stick Comedy Act,” where he skillfully landed his aircraft on a moving vehicle after two attempts, showcasing his exceptional flying skills that have impressed audiences.
Among the thrilling aerial displays was the performance by the United States Air Force Thunderbirds, the highlight of the air show. The precision and synchronized maneuvers by the Thunderbirds in different formations, numbering from one to five aircraft, left spectators in awe as they performed intricate aerial stunts, including low-level flybys and high-speed maneuvers.
Prior to the Thunderbirds’ performance, 20 young individuals newly enlisted in the Air Force took their oath of enlistment witnessed by the Thunderbirds team members and their families. After the show, the Thunderbirds interacted with the families, exchanging greetings, taking photos, or signing autographs, creating special and memorable moments for the new recruits and their loved ones.