Tehachapi's Online Community News & Entertainment Guide
Officials for Los Angeles County Air Show “Aerospace Valley USA®,” presented by Lockheed Martin, are pleased to announce that the March 21-22 event will feature one of the most robust performer line-ups in the air show industry.
Event organizers officially announced additions to the line-up including the U.S. Navy F-35C Airshow Team from Naval Air Station Lemoore, Calif., the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team and aerobatic performer Chuck Coleman.
NAS Lemoore was the first West Coast naval installation to host the F-35C. Lemoore’s F-35Cs are assigned to the Rough Raiders Squadron (VFA) 125. The F-35C carrier variant (CV) is the world’s only 5th Generation, long-range stealth strike fighter designed and built explicitly for naval carrier operations. The F-35C combines this unique capability of operating from a carrier deck with the unmatched 5th Generation capabilities of stealth, fused sensors, and reliability; making the F-35C the Navy’s future first-day-of-the-war strike fighter.
The first-time appearance at the LA County Air Show of the United States Army Golden Knights Parachute Team is going to be very exciting. The team is made up of demonstration and competition parachutists drawn from all parts of the U.S. Army.
Coleman is an iconic local air show pilot, who has performed in hundreds of air shows throughout the country and beyond. For over 10 months, Coleman has been involved in the making of the upcoming movie “Top Gun: Maverick.” One of his roles, was being the aerobatic flight instructor for the “Tom Cruise School of Flying” in his Extra 300L. Chuck performed over 140 flights with the actors.
As previously announced, headlining the air show will be the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels. This is the Squadron’s first air show of their 2020 season following their El Centro practice demonstration flights. Previously announced performers include the USAF F-22 Raptor Demo Team; the Tora, Tora, Tora Warbird Show; Alabama Boys; Rob Harrison The Tumbling Bear and Vicky Benzing in her Stearman.
Returning to the 2020 Air Show will be the popular Heroes and Legends history panel discussions. Preliminary panel topics include Women in Aviation, Celebration of the U-2 “Dragon Lady” and War Eagle panel. Panelist will feature both veteran pilots and today’s inspirational leaders from the aviation industry.
As in the past, attendees will enjoy several impressive “on the ground” static displays.
New this year will be a display sharing the fascinating history of the Royal Air Force connection to the Antelope Valley “War Eagle Field.” This was a 640-acre flying school facility located in Lancaster, which was opened in 1941 to provide flight training to British and Canadian cadets. The schools were operated by Major C.C. Mosely, president of Polaris Flight Academy. The Royal Air Force cadets were taught primary, basic and advanced flying. The schools also taught students from the Eagle Squadron, aviators from the United Kingdom, Canada and other allied countries advanced combat flying skills. This unique history display is presented in partnership with the Antelope Valley Rural Museum, which will display photos and other historic memorabilia from the pilots who trained at War Eagle Field.
The Air Show will once again feature an interactive STEM Expo sponsored by Northrup Grumman, pilots and crew member meet and greets, exhibits, food and more.
According to Los Angeles County Air Show Board President, Mike VanKirk, “This year’s goal is to knock the socks off aviation enthusiast, and that’s not an easy task here in Aerospace Valley. For those of us who live here, we’re blessed to see some of the world’s top aircraft fly on a regular basis, but I’m thrilled to say the 2020 Show is shaping up to be one of the most exciting air shows in the country. The combination of the U.S. Navy Blue Angles, USAF F22 Raptor Demo Team, US Navy F-35C Airshow Team, the US Army Golden Knights Parachute Team, coupled with a great line-up of skilled aerobatic pilots, is sure to inspire every fan at Fox Field come March 21 and 22.”
VanKirk went on to say, “For the first time in the Air Show’s history, we’re offering public premium seating, so folks will be able to get a fence line view, seating and other amenities. It’s not just “In the Sky” show, but our “On the Ground” static displays, Heroes and Legends History panel, interactive STEM and great food that make a perfect recipe for an amazing event. Our robust line-up including the 2020 is an exciting year for all aerospace enthusiasts.”
For more information on the Los Angeles County Air Show, “Aerospace Valley USA®”, performers, sponsorships, exhibitors, STEM Expo, and presale tickets, please go to http://www.lacountyairshow.com. Follow the LACounty Air Show on Facebook, Twitter @LACountyAirShow and Instagram and SnapChat for updates and announcements.
About Los Angeles County Air Show
The Los Angeles County Air Show, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation dedicated to promoting the importance of aviation for continued economic growth, inspiration and educational opportunities for our youth, and enhancing awareness of the service and sacrifice of our military men and women. The mission of the Air Show will be, in part, accomplished by giving back to the community through a regional scholarship program for individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in the areas of science, technology, engineering, math or aerospace. For more information about the Los Angeles County Air Show, please go to http://www.lacountyairshow.com.
About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 105,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.
As a global security and aerospace company, the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. federal government agencies are Lockheed Martin’s most important customers. In addition, Sikorsky (a Lockheed Martin Company) provides military and rotary-wing aircraft to all five branches of the U.S. military along with military services and commercial operators in 40 nations.
With close to 12,000 employees calling California home, Lockheed Martin is committed to giving back by supporting Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) K-12 education, our veterans and military causes.