Thunderbirds to Take to the Skies at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Air Show

It's not too often that you can watch the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds take to the skies for aeronautic feats. Why not take a drive from the Philadelphia area this weekend to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Hanover, New Jersey, and catch the Thunderbirds in action? Witness the Thunderbirds during the Power in the Pines air show Saturday and Sunday, May 17-18, at the military base.

During the show, pilots flying four F-16 Fighting Falcons will demonstrate "breathtaking displays of speed, agility, and teamwork," the military base said in a statement provided to the Courier Post. 

Additional aerial demonstrations will feature heritage and modern aircraft, plus precision parachutists. Attendess may also see flyovers of two tanker aircraft: the C-17 and the KC-46.

On the ground, attractions include an open house featuring more than 20 aircraft, food vendors, and activities for families.

According to a Courier Post report, exhibitions will include a C-5 Galaxy, the largest transport aircraft in the U.S. Air Force's inventory; the U.S. Army's Black Hawk helicopter; the U.S. Navy's C-130T Hercules transport aircraft; and the U.S. Marine Corps' Super Stallion helicopter.

Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst will open its gates to attendees from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Military base officials anticipate approximately 60,000 visitors for each day of the event, so leave your Philadelphia-area home early if you want to arrive at the base before the crowds. 

All attendees must present government-issued IDs at the base's main gate or the Route 68 gate. Children younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Parking and admission to the event are free. VIP tickets, which include a buffet lunch, assigned seating for the air show, and more amenities, are available for purchase online.

In addition to this air show, a privately organized air show event will take place in Atlantic City on July 15 and 16.