Announcers Rob Reider and Matt Jolley did a good job of keeping the hundreds of thousands of spectators
informed and entertained over the three days of flying. We would like to sincerely thank Capt. Melanie
Salinas, Director, Public Affairs, and all the members of her team for a fantastic and memorable experience
covering the Air Show. Finally, we would like to thank all the Marines, volunteers and performers at MCAS
Miramar for making this Air Show such a success.
the runways. After the action concluded, all of the assets joined in a “Pass in Review.” The airborne assets
flew overhead, the jets simulating an aerial refueling with a KC‐130J Super Hercules. The ground troops and
vehicles passed along the crowd line, cheered on by the many spectators. The number of aircraft was less
than that in last year’s air show, and, of course, for the first time did not include the CH‐46 Sea Knight, but
was impressive nevertheless.
Another highlight for many in the crowd was the F‐35B Lightning II tactical demonstration. The flight was
performed by Major Brendan “Lenny” Walsch of VMFA‐121 “Green Knights,” from MCAS Yuma. The Joint
Strike Fighter appeared downright un‐stealthy as it pulled a great ball of vapor out of the sky and trailed
long streamers of wing‐tip vortices as Maj. Walsch circled tightly in front of the crowd in a high‐g, minimum‐
radius turn. He then slowed the Lightning II to a hover and descended slowly to land. After a short cooling‐
down period he took off with full afterburners and made a number of high‐speed passes before finally land‐
ing for good. For many in the audience this was their first view of the F‐35 in flight and despite the contro‐
versy surrounding the Marine Corps’ declaration of Initial Operational Capability for the Lightning II, it was a
definite crowd pleaser.
The Blue Angels finished the show as they always do, starting with Fat Albert’s amazing demonstration and
proceeding through the six F/A‐18 legacy Hornets’ precision flight demonstration.
The ongoing budget sequestration continued to limit the military aircraft on static display, but the situation
has improved, albeit slowly. Various aircraft from the Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard were on display this
year as were those from NASA and Homeland Security. “Squadron Row” was well populated with aircraft
from the units based at MCAS Miramar. A pair of German Air Force Tornados from Holloman AFB returned
again this year, providing the only international participation. The Flying Leathernecks Museum once again
had transported almost all of their aircraft to the apron, giving visitors an opportunity to see aircraft repre‐
senting the Marine Corps’ long aviation history. There were also many private warbirds on display, including
a beautiful natural‐metal PB4Y‐2 Privateer, the Navy version of the B‐24 Liberator bomber.
The Patriots Jet Team top left, AV‐8B Harrier II VMA‐211
“Wake Island Avengers” above and the M1A1 Abrams Tanks
rolling by, below.