The theme for the 2015 MCAS Miramar Air Show, which took place October 2‐4, was “A Salute to Veterans
and Their Families.” For three days, the Air Station invited people from the surrounding communities and
around the world on board to witness the largest military air show in the nation. With three jet teams, two
jet tactical demonstrations, the amazing Marine Air Ground Task Force demonstration and a world‐class
lineup of civilian aerobatic performers in the air and acres of aircraft on static display, this year’s show did
not disappoint.
The schedule for the three‐day show was roughly the same each day. The gates opened to the public at
8:15 AM, the flying began roughly an hour later and continued pretty much non‐stop until 4 PM. Addition‐
ally, on Saturday there was a twilight show which started at 5:30 PM and concluded several hours later with
the “Great Wall of Fire.” With so much flying and pretty much the entire Marine aviation inventory on static
display, you really have to devote at least two days to this show. And even then you’ll miss something. Entry
to the show is free and there is plenty of room along the flightline at both show right and left to set up fold‐
ing chairs or blankets to enjoy the show. But the high bleachers are definitely worth the extra investment
and include an air show program in the cost. There are numerous other upgrade options including box
seats and a variety of chalets providing shade and catered food and drinks. Most of the many food and
drink stands distributed throughout the tarmac were operated by base squadrons with proceeds going to‐
wards their morale and welfare funds. There were also very many other vendors selling souvenirs and sun‐
dry air show items. “Squadron Row” offered the opportunity to stock up on patches, coins and various
other unit‐related merchandise.
The flying schedule featured civilian aerobatic acts primarily in the morning with the military performing in
the afternoon. The Blue Angels concluded the afterno ۸