OCEAN CITY – An incredible line-up of the nation’s top military and civilian acts is getting reading to hit the beach in Ocean City for the 5th anniversary of the OC Air Show.
The latest news is the addition of another impressive military aircraft – the A-10 Thunderbolt II (aka: Warthog) has been added to the lineup.
Known in the Air Force as the Warthog, the “flying gun” and the Tankbuster, the A-10 Thunderbolt has been used extensively in Operation Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Its range, versatility and strength has made it one of the most reliable and capable aircraft in the Air Force today.
The Warthog rounds out an all-star, two-day line up, headlined by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, which includes parachute jump teams, low altitude flyovers, and the nation’s best civilian aerobatic performers including Black Diamond Jet Team, USN F-18 Hornet demo, GEICO Skytypers, 2011 World Champion Rob Holland, USN Seals Leap Frogs, Mike Wiskus in the Lucas Oil Pitts, 101st Airborne Screaming Eagles, Mike Goulian in the Goodyear Extra, USCG Search & Rescue demo, Sean Carroll in Yakovlev Yak-9 and C-5M Super Galaxy.
Regarding the GEICO Skytypers, which use six of the remaining 11 North American SNJ-2 planes left in the world to write messages at an altitude of 10,000 feet, they will race their counterpart on the water at this year;s show.
The Miss GEICO powerboat racing team, six-time world champions, participate in sanctioned offshore racing events around the world. The world record holding Miss GEICO Mystic will race against one of the pilots from the GEICO Skytypers. This high-powered vessel has traveled at speeds exceeding 200 miles-per-hour. The GEICO Skytypers will be in the air as the Miss GEICO contends with whatever currents, waves, and winds might bring. This is a unique opportunity that air show attendees will not want to miss.
“We’ve assembled an incredible team of talent that is guaranteed to thrill our Ocean City audience,” said Bryan Lilley, President of the OC Air Show. “For the first time ever we have two jet demonstration teams – the ever popular Thunderbirds and the civilian Black Diamond Jet Team. Then we add vintage World War II planes, amazing parachute jump teams, the best aerobatic pilots in the nation and the excitement will be non-stop all afternoon.”
General viewing from the beach is free. Tickets for premium viewing at the Show Center located at 16th Street and the Boardwalk are available starting at $22. VIP hospitality in the Clubhouse Chalet, and VIP Penthouse starts at $99 and includes parking and food and beverage. Visit www.ocairshow.com or call 877-722-2927 for more information.
Schedule of Events
Friday
8 a.m.: Breakfast with the Performers at Layton’s Family Restaurant on 16th Street Noon: OC Air Show Preview — Show Center between 15th & 16th streets 7 p.m.: Jack Daniels Take Off Party – Open to the public — Macky’s Bayside – 101st Airborne Parachute Team Jump
Saturday 8 a.m.: Breakfast with the Performers at Layton’s Family Restaurant on 16th Street 9 a.m.: Display Village Opens — 15th, 16th, 17th Streets & Inlet Parking Lot 10 a.m.: The Casino at Ocean Downs Drop Zone and Show Center Beach Open- 14th to 17th streets Noon: OC Air Show Performances (listed in order)
101st Airborne Scream Eagles flag jump A-10 Warthog formation flyover 2011 Aerobatic Free Style World Champion Rob Holland GEICO Skytypers Miss GEICO vs. the Skytyper C-5M Super Galaxy U.S. Coast Guard Search and Rescue Demo Black Diamond Jet Team Mike Goulian in the Goodyear Extra 330SC U.S. Navy F-18 Hornet Demo Mike Wiskus in the Lucas Oil Pitts Mike Goulian & Rob Holland head-to-head U.S. Navy Seals Leap Frogs – where will they land? U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds 4 p.m.: Air Show Happy Hour – Open to the Public — Hooters on the Boardwalk 7 p.m.: Air Show 5th Anniversary Performer Party – Open to the Public — Casino at Ocean Downs – 101st/Seals Jump plus, a Fireworks Show
Sunday
8 a.m.: Breakfast with the Performers at Layton’s Family Restaurant on 16th Street
9 a.m.: Display Village Opens — 15th, 16th, 17th Streets & Inlet Parking Lot 10 a.m. The Casino at Ocean Downs Drop Zone and Show Center Beach Open — Show Center Beach – 14th to 17th streets Noon: OC Air Show Performances (listed in order)
101st Airborne Scream Eagles flag jump -10 Warthog formation flyover 2011 Aerobatic Free Style World Champion Rob Holland GEICO Skytypers Miss GEICO vs. the Skytyper C-5M Super Galaxy U.S. Coast Guard Search and Rescue Demo Black Diamond Jet Team Mike Goulian in the Goodyear Extra 330SC U.S. Navy F-18 Hornet Demo Mike Wiskus in the Lucas Oil Pitts Mike Goulian & Rob Holland head-to-head U.S. Navy Seals Leap Frogs – where will they land? U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds 4 p.m.: Air Show Happy Hour – Open to the Public — Hooters on the Boardwalk
7 p.m.: Air Show Landing Party – Open to the Public –Captain’s Table Restaurant – Courtyard Marriott 15th Street
9 p.m.: Air Show Afterburner Party – Open to the Public — De Lazy Lizard Bar & Grill, 1st Street & the Bay