High-speed fighter jets and World War II-era planes roared through the sky over Jones Beach on Saturday at the FourLeaf Credit Union Memorial Day Air Show, where a crowd of 100,000 people watched dazzling displays of aerial acrobatics and power.
Dark clouds hung overhead, but the thunder-like rumble in the sky was produced by the screaming entrance of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the air show’s main event.
The trademark red, white and blue of the F-16 Fighting Falcons stood out against the cloudy sky. The jets held tight formations where wing tips were separated by a mere 18 inches while the planes flew at hundreds of miles per hour.
Ahead of the Thunderbirds’ arrival, the U.S. Army Golden Knights parachuted from the sky. A stream of red smoke followed behind them as they touched down on the beach. At least one of the paratroopers landed outside the designated landing zone.
Jackie Savage, a spokeswoman for the air show, said she was informed by a New York State Parks Department official that a paratrooper suffered minor injuries.
An unrelated incident nearby also paused the Thunderbirds show for about 15 minutes while the airspace was cleared for a helicopter medical transport.
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino said a boat ran aground at Tobay Beach, injuring a man who was taken by helicopter to a hospital.
Recruits sworn in
Jujhar Digpal of Levittown was one of about two dozen Air Force recruits who had a memorable swearing in at the air show.
From left, Sandeep, Kawljeet, Jashan, Joravar and Jujhar Digpal, who was one of about two dozen Air Force recruits sworn in during the Thunderbirds’ arrival. Credit: Newsday/Tara Smith
It was his family’s first time attending.
Digpal’s youngest brother, Jashan, 6, was wowed by stunt pilot David Windmiller.
“I like how he did the trick and pretended to fall down, but he wasn’t,” Jashan said, moments before the Thunderbirds roared in to AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck.”
Military personnel parachute down to the sand at Jones Beach. Credit: Newsday/Kendall Rodriguez
Other aircraft performers, like the U.S. Navy E-18 Growler Airshow Team, performed quick-moving and high-G-force maneuvers.
Aarron Deliu, an Australian professional aerobatic pilot, performed death-defying stunts and mind-bending movements, including a dramatic free fall, in a single-engine Edge 540 propeller plane.
With his 11-month-old, Bentley, on his shoulders, Stanley Constant, 30, of Ronkonkoma, watched with awe as Deliu performed dramatic loops. Constant said the roar of the military planes overhead was “intimidating” as a spectator.
“It gives you an idea of what our enemies see when our fighter jets are flying overhead,” Constant said.
Constant said he hopes the show “gives the kids a different perspective … but also inspires them to want to join the military and protect our country.”
Samantha Nuñez, left, watched the show with children Jaidyn, 10, and Riley, 4, as husband Stanley Constant carried 11-month old Bentley on his shoulders. Credit: Tara Smith
After a U.S. Navy Rhino Demo team’s F-18 fighter jets tore through the sky, Kevin Bateman, 49, said you “could feel the vibrations in the floor.”
“You definitely feel it in your bones as it’s coming through,” he said.
His son, 9-year-old Kevin Bateman Jr., said seeing the plane flip upside down “was amazing.”
“I don’t know how they do it,” the younger Bateman said. “It was really immaculate.”
Spectators arrive Saturday for the show, which is projected to draw 250,000 over the whole weekend. Credit: Newsday/Kendall Rodriguez
Thousands of spectators filed onto the sand at Jones Beach State Park for a good view. Credit: Newsday/Kendall Rodriguez
Lucas Finn, 11, of New Jersey, said this was his first time at this air show, though he has been to many. Credit: Joseph Ostapiuk
Modern planes weren’t the only aircraft showcased. The Warbird Thunder flew a pair of T-6 Texans — over-80-year-old planes that, according to the Navy, were used to train pilots during World War II.
The B-29 Superfortress, a hulking plane flown during World War II, made a pass as organizers took a moment to remember those who served in that war.
Navy veteran Alan Miller, 77, of Bethpage, said his favorite part of the Memorial Day weekend festivities at the beach is the turnout.
“It’s not just about the air show,” Miller said. “It’s the people coming to celebrate the weekend. It’s the camaraderie.”
Weather, parking, what to expect
Slightly warmer weather is expected Sunday, with mostly sunny skies and a high near 67, according to The National Weather Service.
The event, expected to draw 250,000 people over the weekend, continues Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and beachgoers are urged to arrive early.
Organizers boast that this year will have the most military performers in the show’s 21-year history as it pays tribute to Memorial Day. The show is free, but Jones Beach State Park charges $10 per vehicle.
Janet Confessore, 69, of Ridge, said it was her first time at the Jones Beach Memorial Day event and that the passion and intensity reminded her of a military air show she attended in Florida.
“The crowd was totally patriotic and into the service of these guys and girls, and I feel that’s what’s happening here, too,” Confessore said.
Newsday’s John Asbury contributed to this story.
