NAS Lemoore - 100 Years of Naval Aviation
NAS Lemoore - Naval Aviation Centennial Celebration Air Show
by John Thow
This was our first time photographing an air show at NAS Lemoore, and it was Lemoore’s first air show in seven years. I can’t imagine a better reason to get back into the air show business than the 100th anniversary of U.S. Naval Aviation.
We flew up to Lemoore as part of the AAF crew, manning B-25 “Executive Sweet” for a weekend that included photo flights and B-25 performances in the air show. It’s always nice to be part of the show, but any time we get the chance, it’s really all about flying.
Upon arriving at Lemoore it doesn’t take long to realize that this is U.S. Navy “Hornet Country”. While many of the normal residents were out at sea, there were still plenty of Hornets of all types filling the flight line.
FA-18C Hornets at NAS Lemoore Photo: J. Thow ©
FA-18F Super Hornet sporting a special 100th Anniversary digital camo paint scheme. Photo: Dan Thow ©
The Blue Angels taxi out to begin their 2011 flight demonstration at Naval Air Station Lemoore. Photo: John Thow ©
FA-18F Super Hornet sporting a special 100th Anniversary digital camo paint scheme. Photo: Dan Thow ©
Centennial Super Hornet and F-4U Corsair follow close behind Executive Sweet during photo flight. Photo: John Thow ©
A look through the escape hatch in the side of the B-25 as we approach home. John Thow ©
The AAF’s B-25 Mitchell teamed up with the CAF’s P-51D Mustang, F8F Bearcat and A-6M Zero from their Southern California Wing and treated the crowd to an awesome display of WWII style combat flying. Complete with pyrotechnics, strfing passes and a wall of fire, the warbirds were a real hit, what a great show!
The Blue Angels put on their always amazing flight demonstration all three days and the show was rounded out with some of Lemoore’s own Hornets and Super Hornets.
Aircraft photographed include: B-25J Mitchell “Executive Sweet”, P-51D Mustang “Man O’ War”, F-4U Corsair, F8F Bearcat, A-6M Zero, AT-6 SNJ / Texan, Stearman, F/A-18F Super Hornet, F/A-18E Super Hornet, F/A-18C Hornet, USN Leap Frogs, USN Blue Angels
PRO TIPS FOR A GREAT DAY AT LEMOORE:
So in an effort to help get as many of you out to the air show for the best experience possible, here are a few pro tips.
1. Check the weather! This is important, Lemoore can be hot depending on the time of year and remembering the sunscreen and a hat is a must.
2. Have a look here or at the Air Show event web site. The last few years have seen major changes at many air shows, that can include increased levels of security and a reduction in what you are allowed to carry with you. Better to be informed than to have to go back to the car a stand in line again.
3. Admission to military air shows is free to the public, but there are plenty of opportunities to spend money on refreshments and souvenirs.
4. Get there early if you are interested in staking out a good spot to sit. There are plenty of free areas to sit, and there is also paid grandstand seating for an even better view.
The crew working on 100th Anniversary Super Hornet. Photo: J. Thow ©
A pair of FA-18F Super Hornets over show center at NAS Lemoore. Photo: John Thow ©
Navy Seal Parachute Team forms up prior to landing at show center. John Thow ©