NAS Lemoore airshow

When the US Navy’s largest Rhino base hosts an airshow, you do not miss it. This was the first airshow at NAS Lemoore since the Centennial of Naval Aviation show in 2011; and it featured a robust lineup. Performing were the US Navy Blue Angels, Patriots Jet Team, The Fleet Air Power Demo, CA ANG 75th Anniversary Jet, Skyhawk 518, CAF SoCal, Vicky Benzing, and Ace Maker.

The highlight of the show for me was the Fleet Air Power demo. Six F/A-18 Rhinos, a MH-60S Knighthawk, and a lone F-35C showed a glimpse of what the fleet is capable of. The F-35C “profile passes” rivaled the other branches’ Lightning demos. The Rhinos’ BFM engagements at show center, and simulated close air support drops for troops that were inserted by the MH-60, was a unique sight here on the west coast. The demo showcased the versatility of the Rhino as an air-to-air and air-to-ground platform that can also provide buddy refueling around the boat. The six-ship delta of the Rhinos and the Lightning was a sight to behold, and the F-35 SHB was the cherry on top.

It was great to meet face to face with many photographers and pilots that I had known only through social media. As I was following the line of cars down the runway to exit the show, with my haul of squadron merch from “CAG Row”, I was already day-dreaming of future airshows and visits to the US Navy’s west coast master jet base.