MCAS Yuma Airshow 2024
The 2024 MCAS Yuma Airshow took place on March 9th as one of the inaugural airshows of the 2024 season, showcasing the might of Marine aviation both in the skies and on the ground. This event featured the Marine Air-Ground Task Force demonstration (MAGTF), highlighting their helicopters, including the AH-1Z Viper and the UH-1Y Huey, alongside two types of fighter jets, the F-35B and two F/A-18C Legacy Hornets, as well as air refueling efforts by the KC-130J Hercules. On the ground, both VMX-1 and Pyro by the Tora Tora Tora team were showcased. As if that weren't enough, VMFT-401, the Marine aggressor squadron, executed a tightly organized four-ship demonstration with their F-5N Tiger II aircraft. The F-35B West Coast Demo Team, led by Major Craig "Brembo" Norris, delivering an exhilarating performance, and the F-22 Demo Team, led by Captain Samuel “RaZZ'' Larson, participating in a full performance with FLARES! as well as a heritage flight with the P-38 Lightning.
The sun was shining, and it was a breezy 80 degrees. This was my first time in Yuma as well as at a Marine base airshow, so I was pretty excited. Before the show started, I got to check out some of the many static displays. Some of the highlights on the military side included a C-17, F/A-18D, F-5, KC-130J, MQ-9, various VMX-1 aircraft including AH-1Z, MV-22B, F-35B, & UH-1Y. By far the coolest display was a staggering lineup of F-35Bs from VMX-1, VMFA-122, VMFA-211, & VFMA-214. Civilian statics included the P-51, Mi-24 Hind, C-47, B-15, & Mig 15.
The show started off with the National Anthem, the Military FreeFall School Skydiving Demo, posting of the colors, and the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing band performance immediately followed by the Oath of enlistment for a number of local Yuma high school students.
The first act in the air was the MAGTF Demo. The F-35B Lightning II was first up providing electronic warfare support. The F-18 Legacy Hornets came up next to take control of the skies above with offensive air support as well as assault support. Once the skies were clear of any threats, the AH-1 Viper took control of the ground with its wide array of offensive air support systems to defend the UH-1 Huey dropping troops off for attacks on the ground. Before the demo was complete, the KC-130J performed a simulated refueling pass with both a Lightning II & Legacy Hornet, while another stayed off to the side.
Next up, The F-22 Raptor and the heritage flight with the P-38 Lightning. This was my first time personally seeing the heritage flight with the P-38, and it didn't disappoint at all. From my understanding, the P-38 Lightning performs about 1% of the yearly airshows, so it was definitely a rare opportunity. Before that, Master Sergeant John Lugo of the Raptor Demo team introduced the 2024 Team and got things started. “Strength & Honor” cleared for takeoff. This season, the demo introduced flares full time into as many shows as possible which didn't stop MCAS Yuma! This season, Capt. Larson also modified the demo slightly, which added a new power loop maneuver to showcase just how cool the flares can be. Flares are a great new addition that is sure to catch on for fans this airshow season. The heritage flight with the P-38 Lightning was flown by Steve Hinton Jr. For me, it brought a new sense of just how much American Airpower has evolved over these last 85 years since the first P-38 rolled out. Anyways, The heritage flight brought some nice opportunities to see both the raptor and lightning up close.
Following the Raptor, VMFT-401 F-5 Tigers took to the skies. They performed a total of 3 passes showcasing their beautiful paint jobs. Upon landing, #4 blew his parachute and showed the crowd a no-speed brake landing. That was a first for me.
Last but not least, The F-35B Lightning II West Coast Demo Team, led by Major. Craig “Brembo” Norris. This was also another first for me seeing the B model demonstration. He showcased the power of the single Pratt & Whitney F135 engine, the most interesting part. The display of the engine on both the takeoff roll & STOVL landing was a crowd hit. It truly is incredible what the P&W F135 engine can do.
Overall, The show was absolutely incredible. This airshow gives you the variety from Marine, Air Force, & Vintage aircraft. The airshow will return March 15th, 2025. I hope you can be able to check this airshow out next year!
Check out more photos below!!!
