Elite military and civilian aircraft took to the skies to demonstrate airpower and aerobatic maneuvers May 18-19, during the 2024 First State Airshow on Dover Air Force Base, Delaware.
Held biannually, the airshow welcomes the public onto base and exposes them to U.S. Air Force traditions, heritage and a full display of air power. This year, more than 15 aerial performances entertained approximately 140,000 family, friends, aviation enthusiasts and military members.
“We couldn’t be happier to have you all here,” said Col. Chris McDonald, 436th Airlift Wing commander. “This show is our way of saying thank you for all your support.”
The F-35A Lightning II demonstration team and the Golden Knights, the U.S. Army parachute team, co-headlined the airshow. Other performances included those from aerobatic veterans Rob Holland and Patrick McAlee, who zipped, looped and rolled through the air in MXS and Pitts aircraft.
On the ground, community members viewed static displays of various aircraft, including the C-5M Super Galaxy and the C-17 Globemaster III. Personnel from the 436th AW and the 512th Airlift Wing, Dover’s reserve unit, utilize the aircraft to execute global airlift missions.
“Only about 1% of the U.S. population serves in the military,” said Maj. Joseph Stephenson, 2024 First State Airshow director. “An event like this allows us to reach the other 99%. It opens doors for people to learn about Dover, our mission and equipment and the Air Force as a whole.”
According to Stephenson, the air show took almost a year to plan and required total force involvement. Together, the 436th AW, 512th AW, Air National Guard and local agencies collaborated to organize the show.
Their efforts resulted in the airshow including unique features such as a static display of the historic B-29 Superfortress aircraft. It was used during World War II and is one of two still flying around the world.
The airshow also featured a STEM display that provided kids an opportunity to interact with virtual reality technology and a space suit.
“As much as the airshow is about giving back to the community, it's also about inspiring them,” said Stephenson. “We hope the STEM display encourages the next generation to serve in the military.”
The base commander echoed Stephenson’s sentiments.
“The airshow is more than a fun event,” said McDonald. “It’s a way to motivate individuals to become future warfighters who serve honorably and selflessly to ensure the United States continues to demonstrate airpower that is impactful, innovative and effective.”
| Date Taken: | 05.19.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 12.20.2024 10:39 |
| Story ID: | 486811 |
| Location: | DOVER, DELAWARE, US |
| Web Views: | 9 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Dover’s First State Airshow celebrates airpower and community, by SSgt Shayna Hodge, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
