America’s Air Show is Back Once Again

One of the biggest shows in the country is back and is better than ever

**One of the many incredible scenes from the Miramar Air Show**

There are a few events throughout the year that really make me excited. Some are pretty random and some come often. But, there are a few that come around like clockwork and of those there is one that has been consistent. This event is one that takes place in the middle of fall and is always a lot of fun. This event is known by a lot of names (one of which is the well-named “America’s Air Show”) but it’s single name is more than enough to define it. Miramar. There is no show like this and this is THE air show of shows.

Miramar is a name that we have heard in movies, TV and all over the place consistently for the better part of fourty years. Ever since the name became synonymous with the movie Top Gun Miramar has been a popular figure in the public eye. It is the home of Fighter Town USA and the location where the best Navy and Marine pilots train. And it is here where one of the most epic of air shows takes place every year. It is among this backdrop that we get to see some of America’s best pilots and soldiers take to the skies and show off some of the most incredible machines in the world. Miramar is not just a name it is a statement, and everything that takes place at this show is larger than life.

This past show was an impressive one indeed. As always the static display section was fully stacked. The flightline at Miramar is very large and so there is plenty of room for a variety of aircraft. Since Miramar is one of the premier air shows we do get a whole host of aircraft and land vehicles from across the different services. From Super Hornets to Abrams tanks, V-22 Osprey’s and everything in between this show was a real treat to military hardware buffs. It is not every day that you get to see these aircraft, but having them all in one place really makes for some good photo opportunities. My photo partner (Alejandro) and I were very fortunate enough to be at the show just before it had opened to the public and it was amazing seeing the aircraft with that early morning lighting.

Sure I can sit here and describe every detail of the show to you but Miramar is something that I believe you have to experience first hand. From the sound of the planes flying overhead to the smell of propane thanks exploding, this is an an experience that is unlike any other. Much like going to an actual car race air shows are better experienced in person. And if there is a show that deserves this above any other it is Miramar. You owe it to yourself to check it out and see just how incredible this show is. If you want to see the best of the best flying the most amazing machines engineering has to offer, then check out America’s Air Show. I know we will be there.

**The Mounted Marine Color Guard at the Miramar Air Show**

**The Miramar Base Commander, Chaplain , Mayor of San Diego and Assistant Wing Commander all listen to Lily Brodie singing the National Anthem**

**The Marine Band looking sharp and ready to roll**

**The Marine Band awaits their next song. True professionals!**

**Another shot of the F-35 pulling up and leaving vapor trails**

**Another shot of Fat Albert making a quick pass in front of the crowd at Miramar**

**Aircraft making some very nice passes at the Miramar Air Show**

**F-16 in very cool Viper paint scheme with some explosions behind them**

**The Marine Osprey comes in on a slow approach to land**

**America’s latest and most technologically advanced fighter jet in the world, the F-35. This here is the B model that the Marines fly. This one here is showing off its short take off capabilities**

**A shot of some of the members of the Pasadena Police Department at the Miramar Air Show**

**The One and Only Blue Angels. Here in Diamond Formation**

**A mix and the old and the new. A classic P-51 Mustang and Marines coming at us**

**The Marines are coming to town. A view down the runway of some of the hardware our US Marines have in the inventory. Could this be any cooler?**

**The F-35B banks left and goes full afterburner. Just incredible**

**C-17 Globemaster coming in for a landing at Miramar**

**A view of a C-17 with its landing gear down and it’s flaps fully down. Not a view we see every day**

**C-17 from March ARB getting ready to lift off for the show**

**Showing off the lift capability of the Super Stallion at Miramar. It’s not every day you see a Marine vehicle being lifted up as effortlessly as this**

**Royal Air Force Airbus A400M Cargo Plane on the ramp at the Miramar Air Show**

**As the Osprey lands Marines pour out the back ramp. So cool to see in person**

**Marines dropping out of a V-22 Osprey at Miramar**

**The newest Zulu Cobra Helicopter in a classic 1980’s paint scheme. I love this throwback look**

**Marine Super Stallion carrying a howitzer over the runway at Miramar**

**Fat Albert makes of its many passes as it shows off its superb paint job and sleek look**

Words and photos by Daniel Navarrete. Additional photos by Alejandro Mendiola

This article was prepared or accomplished by Daniel Navarrete in his personal capacity. The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Spektrum Magazine, or its affiliates.