Largest Military Air Show Takes Off This Weekend

Tom Cruise won’t be there, but if you’re impressed by “Top Gun”-style midair stunts, Fightertown, U.S.A., is the place to be this weekend.

The nation’s largest military air show will take place today and Sunday at Miramar Naval Air Station, with enough dazzling displays both in the air and on the field to please even the most hard-core aircraft aficionado.

Getting there, however, may not be as much fun, as at least 600,000 other people are expected to have the same idea. The gates open at 8 a.m. both days and aerial demonstrations begin at noon, but traffic coordinators suggest you start off early with a full gas tank and plenty of patience. The gates on Miramar Road, Miramar Way and Kearny Villa Road will be open to the public. Those planning a tailgate party or driving campers or recreational vehicles should use the east gate off Miramar Way. The gate on the west side of the base will be reserved for school and charter buses and air-show workers.

Car Pooling With Friends Is Recommended

Car pooling is recommended, and the combined efforts of the Navy, the California Highway Patrol and the San Diego police should keep confusion on the roads to a minimum. Most of Kearny Villa Road next to the base will be closed, and the CHP says that cars parked alongside the highways and medians near the base will be towed.

Glass containers, barbecue grills, skateboards, fireworks and animals are not allowed on show grounds.

Continuous midair shows will run from noon to 2 p.m., using both military and civilian flying teams. Among the performers will be the high-performance F-14A Tomcat, the MIG-15 and F-86 combat jets, and two parachute demonstrations. The Navy’s famed precision flying team, the Blue Angels, will perform at 2 p.m. both days.

For comfortable viewing, bring folding chairs or blankets, since no bleachers or other seating will be provided.

Aircraft displays on the ground will stretch over acres of the field and will include such vintage planes as the Fokker and Sopwith Camel from World War I and the Spitfire and Corsair from World War II. Two Navy jets will be available for portrait photos.

The air station will close to visitors at 7 p.m. both days.