Djack Posted September 29, 2018 Share Posted September 29, 2018 Last weekend I had the priveladge to travel out to NAS Oceana for the first time. I haven't shared any of my photos in here in a very long time. Anyways, here some of my favorites from the weekend. Enjoy! David VFA-106 Legacy CAG by D_Jackman, on Flickr Superhornet high speeed pass by D_Jackman, on Flickr Strike Eagle special markings by D_Jackman, on Flickr Pax River P-3C Orion by D_Jackman, on Flickr Jolly Rogers by D_Jackman, on Flickr Beautiful Texan by D_Jackman, on Flickr Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Parabat Posted September 29, 2018 Share Posted September 29, 2018 Very nice, thanks for sharing these pics. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Djack Posted September 29, 2018 Author Share Posted September 29, 2018 Here's another batch of pictures... Blacklions CAG by D_Jackman, on Flickr VFC-12 Splinter Adversary by D_Jackman, on Flickr VFC-12 'Red 12' by D_Jackman, on Flickr gear up by D_Jackman, on Flickr Blue Blasters F-A-18C by D_Jackman, on Flickr VFA-105 Gunslingers w-buddy pod by D_Jackman, on Flickr Quote Link to post Share on other sites
A-10 LOADER Posted September 30, 2018 Share Posted September 30, 2018 Sadly this show is a shell of it's former self. Oceana use to have one of, if not the best show, on the East Coast back in the day (early to mid 90's to @ 2005) They would get so many static aircraft that they would run out of room to park everything. It's a shame, especially since this was the 75th Anniversary show. Steve Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Djack Posted September 30, 2018 Author Share Posted September 30, 2018 Yes Steve, even though I was happy to finally make it, and happy to see the Adversary Hornets (which was my main goal) I was disappointed in the statics. I can only assume the Hurricane had some impact on it, especially with rescue missions running out of Oceana by the guard just days before the show ? I was disappoint nothing out of Norfolk was even on static. No MH-53's, no C-2s, E-2's, Seahawks, etc. I thought for sure the skydivers would jump from a C-2 or a Navy Helo, but no. Only 2 Legacy Hornets, and 2 Superhornets on static, when the hangers were jammed full, and loads more parked in the north 40. Not sure what was up with that. Nevertheless, I was happy to go, got some nice swag, and was thankful the weather was nice. David Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Janissary Posted October 2, 2018 Share Posted October 2, 2018 Regarding a possible decline in interest, any thoughts why this is the case? Is this true across most airshows in the U.S. today? I personally have been to much fewer airshows as of late, but a close friend of mine here goes to pretty much all the shows. I haven't talked with him re level of general interest and attendance, partially because he is always super-excited and sees everything from his own lens unfortunately (so everything is rosy if you ask him). Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Camus272 Posted October 3, 2018 Share Posted October 3, 2018 This is true of all airshows. Since 2011 things have been declining (although not as bad as 2013 when there were no teams and 2014 when no static displays were allowed at civilian shows). Things have been getting better, but they aren't the same - the F-18 demo was only at 3 or 4 shows this year. Just last weekend, the F-22 demo cancelled because of "operational requirements." Even at shows like Nellis, which as a kind of Air Force "home" show has been immense, it's not quite the same. They don't usually get the F-18 demo anymore, and they don't have the single AF demos that used to compliment the Thunderbirds (the show has also gone to alternate years). At many civilian shows there are very few statics- maybe two -,there aren't as many fly-overs these days, and if the Thunderbirds are flying there won't be any other AF appearances. As for why: budget. After the Budget Control Act of 2011 the Air Force started making cuts (followed by the full sequester disaster), now it seems that the services are just concentrating on getting higher percentages of aircraft mission-ready and airshow appearances can't be a priority Quote Link to post Share on other sites
eraucubsfan Posted October 3, 2018 Share Posted October 3, 2018 My two cents: I went to Oceana this year too. To me the Military airshows are not geared towards the "aviation fan" anymore. They are geared towards the everyday person. The only reason I went to the show was to see the Snow Birds. I did enjoy the military demos, but all the other stuff I've seen before. I mean honestly, how many times do I have to watch that jet truck go up and down the runway.... Also, why do I want to wait 2 hour in traffic to get in and 2 hours to get out, then have to take out a small loan for sub par food that only makes you have to use the dirty port-o-johns? I know it has its own issues, but to me Oshkosh will always be the mecca for airshows (at least here in the states). Like a lot of things in life, The Simpsons said it best: "airshow?... What kind of country-fried rube is still impressed by that?" Quote Link to post Share on other sites
HOLMES Posted October 13, 2018 Share Posted October 13, 2018 David.... thank you for sharing your photos from the show. STUNNING Photos... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Geoff M Posted October 13, 2018 Share Posted October 13, 2018 Wow, pictures from 90 years in the future and they are still flying F-18s :😎 Geoff M Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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