Categories: CommunityEvents/What's HappeningNewsSports

Beaufort Prepares for the 2025 Marine Corps Air Show

Aerial demonstration at the Marine Corps Air Show

News Summary

The Marine Corps Air Show is set to take place at the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort on April 12 and 13, 2025, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Marine Corps. The event will feature renowned performers like the Full Throttle Formation Team and the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, with an expected attendance of 100,000 visitors. The show includes thrilling aerial demonstrations, free tickets, and various family-friendly activities aimed at inspiring youth interest in STEM. Colonel Mark D. Bortnem emphasizes the show’s importance in connecting the community with marine aviation.

Beaufort Gears Up for 2025 Marine Corps Air Show

The Marine Corps Air Show will take place on April 12 and 13, 2025, at the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, located on Geiger Boulevard. This exciting event celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Marine Corps.

Key Event Details:

Base Access: Begins at 8:30 a.m.; gates open at 9 a.m.
Featured Performers: Full Throttle Formation Team, U.S. Navy Blue Angels, U.S. Army Golden Knights
Performance Times: Full Throttle Formation Team performs from 1:05-1:17 p.m. on both days
Attendance Expected: Upwards of 100,000 visitors over the weekend
Tickets: Free general admission tickets must be secured in advance

The show will feature a range of aerial demonstrations, including a B-25 bomber flyover, designed to captivate the audience. Major Brandon Wilkins, a Beaufort native and Blue Angels member, expresses his excitement about performing in front of friends and family.

Preparation for the air show has been extensive, with planning spanning two years. Colonel Mark D. Bortnem, Commanding Officer of MCAS Beaufort, highlighted the event’s aim to engage the community in celebrating marine aviation.

Alongside thrilling aerial displays, attendees can look forward to various family-friendly activities such as helicopter rides, bounce houses, and interactive performances. These activities aim to inspire interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) among children, encouraging future opportunities in aviation and beyond.

Aviation professionals emphasize the importance of planning and training; pilots meticulously rehearse through a technique called “chair flying,” allowing them to perfect their routines mentally before taking to the skies.

The air show is not just an entertaining spectacle but also an important initiative to connect the community with the operational aspects of the Marine Corps and the discipline of aviation.