……The need for speed at the MCAS Miramar Air Show. Finally I have finished editing the 800+ photos and 70+ videos to be able to post a reasonable blog that is readable and I hope enjoyable. That’s not an easy job because this air show at “Top Gun School” is the biggest military air show in the USA and there was so much to see. So much in fact that we both ran out of battery power on our phones (we’d left the power bank cable at home, duh) about 2/3rds of the way through the static displays. No worries, we did get the main show which was the RAF Red Arrows & the USMC Blue Angels display teams on video.
From Sequoias to Santee
The trip back to San Diego was uneventful. We left Adelanto, our overnight stop, surrounded by a thick layer of fog. Closer in we passed March Reserve Air Field with it’s air museum and multiple aircraft siting around the apron for inspection. Ducking under a huge arch bridge we knew we were closing on our campsite at Santee Lakes when a few F18’s buzzed by in practice for the next day’s opening day of the annual MCAS Miramar (Top Gun School) air show. The same was to happen the next day. While resting this Friday we could hear the thunderous roar of fighter jets scorching about the airfield some 10 miles as the crow flies from us. Saturday came and I’ll admit I was getting excited. I love aircraft watching and even better when it is military jets working at their best. This day was not going to disappoint.
The Main Event
We were up early and at the gate by 0930, half an hour before opening and as you can see in the photos the carpark (the airfield apron) we near empty and we got to park almost on the fence. We quickly unloaded the car of chairs, jackets (it was a cool, overcast day) and anything else we would need and set off for the cheap seats (freebies) at the far end of the airstrip. This allowed us to check out most of the static displays enroute to our viewing spot. I won’t waffle on too much about the displays as they are mostly self-explanatory. What I will say is that this year the show was dedicated to the First Responders of America so there were displays from Police, Firies and others as well as what we’d come to see, military might.
Military Muscle Everywhere
I am guessing the favourite tool of the USMC is the Osprey. This fantastic machine is called aircraft because it is both a plane and a helicopter being able to transition from one form to the other on the go in flight. There were too many types of weaponry there to try to name them all here but my favourite was the new F35 Lightning which Australia has ordered 80 or so of. I think we’ve received two of these highly controversial fighters but after watching one tearing up the skies above us it has won me over. They even showed a VSTOL version which I still believe is one of the best aircraft available today. (For a cool $90M USD you too can own one.) There were planes going back to pre-WWII many of which were flying at the show.
Not Just Planes
Besides planes the USMC had ground force weaponry on show with an M1A1 Abrams tank front and centre with other armoured vehicles. The USMC also had drones on display and a massive canon which we didn’t really look at too closely. Also on show was the world’s fastest fire truck and some serious stunt flyers, parachutists and the USMC band.
The Videos.
Let me say at the start that all these videos were taken by Shane and I and it was I who edited them. Its been a massive load and know from the start that videoing with mobile phones is not easy. Also when it comes to water, sky or cloud they will not stay focused but overall I am sure you’ll enjoy these. Whatever the case please add a comment on the bottom of the page.
I’ll start with the official opening even though it happened two hours after the start. It includes the band and several items that led to the speeches and the grand opening. On clip of note is the “Dedication Flight” of a F86 Sabre Jet and an F16 Viper to honour all Veterans
That video is here: https://youtu.be/Ao1koSBBEvM
The next video is a ‘mini-war’ when a dozen or more WWII planes circle the airfield making bomb drops and gunnery runs. Complete with pyro technics it was a great visual feast.
That video is here: https://youtu.be/LTtMawyIncc
Team Oracle made an appearance. This is an aerobatic team of two stunt flyers of exceptional ability. Twists and turns like you’d not believe unless you saw it.
That video is here: https://youtu.be/kCQp7zMdoL8
This video, which I titled “Amazing Flights” starts with an Osprey display followed by a helo that does what helo’s shouldn’t do. Then there’s the F16 and a dedication flight again ending with an F35 display. (There’s a bit more F35 in the next video.)
That video is here: https://youtu.be/_zpBLOXHLDA
While the mini-war of older planes was great this video is a mock up of a modern day assault on an attacking enemy unit. Listen if you can hear how each element of the attack is designed for a purpose. This video ends in a spectacular way.
That video is here: https://youtu.be/SKTKf4pwPiQ
“Fire, Fire Fire” is a video showing the world famous Jet Fire truck as it races a piston engine stunt plane down the runway. It ends with a demonstration of some firefighting helo’s doing their thing.
That video is here: https://youtu.be/a2EdD2nG17o
Time for some more exciting stunt plane work. This guy has got to be crazy! He finishes by cutting 3 ribbons on poles on the runway just a few metres above the ground.
That video is here: https://youtu.be/KNxWCcCPx74
In the penultimate video we have the fantastic RAF Red Arrows who were doing a tour of the USA and were a main event at this air show. The contrast between the more sedate pommie commentator and the US ones is hilarious. Terrific show of enormous skill.
That video is here: https://youtu.be/H7uJDS7ePEQ
Finally, the one we’re all waiting for is the incomparable USN Blue Angels. I first saw these guys live in Townsville after having them on my wish list since I was a boy. There is no better display of fighter plane flying than these guys. As good as it gets!
That video is here: https://youtu.be/tUlrw3RdY2Y
Well that is the Miramar Air Show. I really hope you liked the show as much as we did. Please comment on the bottom of the page.
Cheers for now and keep looking out for more of Cahill’s Chronicles.
Garry & Shane
Firstly I must leave a quote from a group I’m a great fan of ” You Rotten Swine” ……………. this is the greatest post so far, what a great airshow to visit, I hate you, I want to be there ! …… looked at the pics on the laptop but saving the vids for the 50″ screen ……………. then I will plan a 1300km trip to Temora so I can get an AVGAS hit before flying finishes for the year…………. So whats on the agenda for the next 6 mths ??? Antarctica ?????
Let me just say “You’re most welcome”….LOL. It was a brilliant day and I am regretful that we didn’t go back on the Sunday for a second helping (espec as it was free entry) but I was knackered. We only got through about 1/3rd of the static display it was so big and I was thinking of you all day (and trying not to giggle).
Back home mid-December and won’t be back here for quite a while. Need a break after 18 months on the road. Selling the rig because we don’t want it to detiorate and someone else can now have some great times like we’ve had.
Probably do a month or so in TVL before Bali or Penang till the May Reunion on the Sunshine Coast.
Thanks for the comments. More to come. Phoenix, North Rim of Grand Canyon, Bryce and Zion Nat Pks, Moab, Monument Valley, South Rim of GC then to Vegas to sell the rig. Coming home with a 7 day stopover in Honolulu.
Cheers mate.
Garry