Bethpage Federal Credit Union and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation announced the lineup for the 2014 Bethpage Air Show taking off at Jones Beach Saturday, May 24 and Sunday, May 25.
The air show will feature the following military performers: United States Navy Blue Angels (performing for the sixth time at Bethpage), United States Navy Leap Frogs (making their second appearance since 2007), United States Army Golden Knights Parachute Team, and newcomer to the Bethpage Air Show, MV-22 Osprey.
Civilian performers include Red Bull Air Force, American Airpower Museum Warbirds, GEICO Skytypers, Miss GEICO Speedboat, Sean D. Tucker - Team Oracle, Lt. Col. John Klatt - National Guard Reserve, Matt Chapman - Embry Riddle, David Windmiller, and the John Klatt Airshows - Screamin' Sasquatch Jet Waco Aerobatic Team (also a newcomer to the Bethpage Air Show).
"The Long Island community is buzzing with excitement about this year's show, and the return of an elite military jet team," said Linda Armyn, Senior Vice President, Corporate Strategy, Bethpage. "Each year the Blue Angels perform, we see record numbers of fans convene on Jones Beach, and that makes for an exciting holiday weekend. We are thrilled to continue to work closely with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to help bring what has become one of the most anticipated, largest public events in New York State, right here to Jones Beach each year, for all to enjoy."
Making its debut at the Bethpage Air Show is the MV-22 Osprey, a tilt rotor aircraft with vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) as well as short takeoff and landing (STOL) capability. The uniqueness of the MV-22 Osprey is that it combines the functionality of a helicopter with the high-speed, long-range performance of a turboprop aircraft. The U.S. Marine Corps and Air Force will fly the Osprey.
The civilian newbie to the air show--John Klatt Airshows' - Screamin' Sasquatch Jet Waco Aerobatic Team--takes a classic airplane, a Taperwing Waco made famous during the 20's and 30's and gives it a modern twist with a jet engine. John Klatt, a Lieutenant Colonel in the Air National Guard, who fought in Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq, and Jeff Boerboon, a U.S. Unlimited Aerobatics Champion, will pilot the Screamin' Sasquatch.
"We are happy to welcome back the United States Navy Blue Angels and all of the scheduled performers for what we anticipate to be one of our best air shows yet," said Rose Harvey, Commissioner, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. "It's important each year to pay tribute to our nation's past and present military, and the Memorial Day holiday weekend allows us to do just that, as well as enjoy the company of family and friends and celebrate our nation's freedom."
Visitors can check out the air show at Jones Beach State Park in Wantagh, NY on Saturday, May 24, 2014 10:00 AM-3:00 PM and Sunday, May 25, 2014 10:00 AM-3:00 PM. The Air Show is free to the public but a $10 vehicle use fee will apply upon entry to the park. The fee will be waived for 2014 NYS Empire Passport holders.
The NYS Empire Passport can be purchased for $65 at any Long Island State Park and used immediately. It is effective until March 31, 2015 and passport holders can enjoy unlimited vehicle access to most facilities operated by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
For up-to-date information about this year's show, please visit http://www.bethpageairshow.com
