Bethpage Federal Credit Union and the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation announced last week that the United States Air Force Thunderbirds will headline the 12th Anniversary Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach taking place on Saturday, May 23, 2015 and Sunday, May 24, 2015.
This will be the legendary demonstration squadron’s fourth appearance at the show.
The Canadian Forces CF-18 Demonstration Team will also appear at this year’s show as well as the United States Army Golden Knights Parachute Team.
Civilian performers will include the Breitling Jet Team, Sean D. Tucker – Team Oracle, Lt. Col. John Klatt – Air National Guard, the John Klatt Airshows – Screamin’ Sasquatch Jet Waco Aerobatic Team, GEICO Skytypers, Miss GEICO Speedboat, American Airpower Warbirds, and David Windmiller.
“We are especially thrilled to welcome back the United States Air Force Thunderbirds to Long Island for their fourth headlining appearance at the Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach,” said George Gorman, deputy regional director of the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. The United States Air Force Thunderbirds last headlined the Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach in 2009 and were scheduled to appear again in 2013, but were forced to cancel due to government sequester budget cuts. “We welcome the team back to Long Island with great enthusiasm,” continued Gorman.
“Over 360,000 spectators chose the Bethpage Air Show as their Memorial Day holiday weekend destination in 2009, when the Thunderbirds last visited. We are confident that their return to Long Island in 2015 will draw in a sizeable crowd as well,” said Linda Armyn, senior vice president of corporate strategy at Bethpage Federal.
“Memorial Day weekend is an important time to honor the men and women of our country’s military, which is exactly what the Thunderbirds demonstration squadron is all about – to honor and share the story of our nation’s military who have served and currently serve at locations around the world,” Armyn continued.
The Thunderbirds were formed in 1953, and since have been charged with demonstrating the professionalism of Airmen and the capabilities of modern airpower. Their performance at the Bethpage Air Show will include approximately 40 maneuvers, featuring formation flying and solo routines.
