VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) – This weekend’s NAS Oceana Air Show promises to be a family-friendly event, but this year, they’re kicking it up a notch to celebrate young minds in STEM education with the theme, Inspire, Educate, and Soar.
Friday, thousands of local students from Virginia Beach and Chesapeake public schools will get to watch the practice. Doors open to the public Saturday.
The annual free air show is a way for the Navy to give back to the community. Last year, more than 300,000 people attended and the organizers say they are expecting those same numbers this year, with people from all over the country expecting to travel to watch the show.
“NAS Oceana is a big economic driver for the city and for the region,” said Capt. Josh Appezzato, NAS Oceana commanding officer.
Hotels are getting booked, but also local vendors from around the area come to the base to sell food and drinks to the visitors.
Appezzato said the show is a win for everyone.
“We want the taxpayers, we want the local community to come on board and see what their tax dollars are providing, all these aircraft and all these demonstrations that are available here at the NAS Oceana air show,” Appezzato said.
He said the airshow is not about making money, but rather, a way to give back to the community.
“From a Navy perspective, we don’t necessarily make a whole lot of money,” Appezzato said. “It’s really about the vendors, and it’s really about the community engagement and interaction for us, but it’s a great opportunity for vendors to come in and be able to harness all the folks that gather for the air show.”
This is the Navy’s largest open house. It is free for anyone — just make sure you bring your photo ID.
“It’s a great way to remain in touch with the community that we serve, with the country that we protect,” Appezzato said. “We’re proud of the air show. We do it annually, and we are. It’s a lot of work for us, but we love it.”
The air show will be livestreamed Saturday and Sunday if you are not able to watch it in person this weekend.