The 9th Pacific Airshow took place from October 3rd to 5th at Huntington Beach in Southern California, with teams from six countries including the United States, Canada, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and Australia participating in the performances. Since 2016, the event has attracted millions of spectators each year, making it the largest aviation exhibition in the United States.
Military demonstration teams such as the US Air Force Thunderbirds, the Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey Demo Team, the Navy Leap Frogs Parachute Team, the NORAD Interdiction Demo Team, the Royal Air Force Falcons Parachute Display Team, and the Canadian Snowbirds wowed the audience with their aerial acrobatics against the backdrop of the blue sky and ocean.
In addition to the military performances, civilian flight demonstrations from France and Australia, such as the Dawn Patrol RV Formation Demo, Red Bull Air Force aerobatics, and Undaunted Airshow, provided surprises for the spectators. Before each aerial performance, the Los Angeles Fire Department’s Fireboat 20 approached the shore from the sea, spraying tall streams of water to signal the start of the show.
The organizers set up the NXTGN STEM LAB theme area on the beach, aimed at inspiring the curiosity of the next generation of aviators, engineers, and innovators. The first day of the airshow was designated as “Students with Altitude Day,” where over 5,500 students and 465 educators from 85 schools in Southern California attended for free.
Kevin Elliott, the director of the Pacific Airshow, stated in a press release, “The Pacific Airshow is not just an airshow – it is a celebration where everyone can come together to celebrate patriotism, community spirit, and innovation. Whether you are an aviation enthusiast or a first-time visitor, you will be amazed by the sights.”
At the NXTGN STEM LAB area on the beach, 60 third-grade students from Twila Reid Elementary School in Anaheim, led by teacher Kim Swanenberg, participated in their first off-site field trip. They were excited to see robotic dogs and drones and were inspired by the possibility of pursuing these as future career paths.
The robotic dog brought by Fullerton College’s Drone Lab, named “Seymour,” impressed the students with its capabilities for 3D modeling of buildings and industrial inspections. The lab director, Jay Seidel, explained the various functions of the robotic dog and highlighted its applications in industrial inspections, costing tens of thousands of dollars each.
Since starting the drone program in 2018, Fullerton College now has nearly 200 students pursuing bachelor’s degrees with opportunities in military, law enforcement, firefighting, and industry partnerships. Seidel mentioned collaborations with the Orange County Fire Department for wildfire prevention mapping and Edison Company for power line inspections using drones.
Ryan Morgan, a student at Fullerton College, expressed his interest in drone technology and automation systems, aiming to contribute to Special Forces defense, offense, and counterattacks in the future. He patiently demonstrated to the younger students, emphasizing the growing demand for drone specialists in fields like computing and mathematics.
At the navy booth in the NXTGN STEM LAB area, elementary school students engaged in physical challenges such as push-ups, pull-ups, weightlifting, and dragging heavy objects. Some students managed to do 20-40 push-ups, with one exceptional student completing 80 push-ups in one minute.
Dan Gastelum, a retired sergeant and junior ROTC teacher at Katella High School, introduced the military training programs offered in collaboration with the Army. He highlighted the opportunities for students to develop leadership skills even if they choose not to pursue higher education.
Gastelum shared his own military journey, highlighting the educational benefits provided by the military for both himself and his daughter, who also served. Maurice Collier, a Master Sergeant of the National Guard, showcased various educational and career paths available within the military, emphasizing the benefits of joining the forces.
Edward T. Gahl, the chief advisor of the Navy recruitment department, offered assistance to those interested in naval programs or joining the Navy, underscoring the training and educational programs available within the Navy. With over two decades of service in various locations globally, including Spain, Scotland, Italy, and Australia, Gahl emphasized the diverse experiences and opportunities offered through naval service.