Wednesday, June 18, 2025
The unofficial start of summer is here — and it’s coming in with a roar. Memorial Day weekend has arrived, bringing with it all the familiar traditions we love: heartfelt ceremonies, parades, sizzling barbecues, and, of course, that much-anticipated pilgrimage to Jones Beach for the thrill of the FourLeaf Air Show. Set against the sparkling Atlantic, this high-flying spectacle returns Saturday and Sunday, with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds once again leading the charge in a breathtaking display of speed, precision and patriotism. Showtime begins at 10 a.m. — don’t forget your sunscreen and camera.
The distinguished squadron, back for their 10th headlining appearance, is joined by other elite military pilots. This year’s spectacle includes the United States Army Golden Knights Parachute Team, United States Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II, United States Navy F-35C Demo Team, United State Navy Rhino Demo Team, United States Navy EA-18G Growler Demo Team, North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), 106th Rescue Wing NY Air National Guard, also the 105th Airlift Wing unit of the New York Air National Guard.
This show — with its new name as a result of the rebranding of sponsor Bethpage Federal Credit Union as FourLeaf — is an especially patriotic salute to the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army (which got its start as the Continental Army), the Navy and Marines, along with the 110th anniversary of the U.S. Coast Guard. A tribute also marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
“We are thrilled to welcome the United States Air Force Thunderbirds as this year’s headliners and look forward to an amazing show by all our performers,” says George Gorman, regional director, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historical Preservation. “Every year more and more people come to our show. It has become a great tradition for Long Island to honor our military and veterans and kick off the summer at Jones Beach.”
With the anticipated cooperation of the weather, the military and civilian pilots soar — and boom — overhead. The boardwalk also gets in on the action as service branches are on hand to provide visitors with opportunities to interact, including virtual reality simulations and fitness challenges. Everyone will want to check out the booths lining the boardwalk as well, to pick up a souvenir or a snack.
The Thunderbirds, “America’s Ambassadors in Blue,” demonstrate the extraordinary capabilities of the F-16 Fighting Falcon — the Air Force’s multi-role fighter jet. The elite military pilots proudly showcase the capabilities of highly versatile, 19,700-pound aircraft, which can travel at speeds up to 1,500 mph. The supersonic aircraft is known for its agility, speed and ability to perform various roles, including air superiority, air-to-ground combat and intercepting enemy aircraft.
Grace meets power in this mix of six F-16 Falcons demonstrating formation flying and solo routines. Flying only a few feet apart from wingtip to wingtip, the crowd gets a glimpse of the superb skills and capabilities that all fighter pilots must possess as they push the limits of their aircraft.
The civilian teams always elicite ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ as well. Performers include the American Airpower Museum Warbirds; Aarron Deliu, current reigning Air Masters Cup Series champion and current Sky Grand Prix Champion; Warbird Thunder, featuring the North American SNJ Texan, a former World War II Navy advanced training aircraft; also returning are the Farmingdale State College Flying Rams and Long Island’s own David Windmiller.
Warbird Thunder may be familiar to those who watched when the GEICO Skytypers used to grace the sky over Jones Beach. Warbird’s Lead Pilot Chris “CT” Thomas, with his partner, Wingman Mike “Buick” Eberhardt, was with the Skytypers team for many years before heading out on their own. Their meticulously restored World War II-era SNJ planes were used as an advanced trainer by the U.S. Navy and Marines to train “The Greatest Generation” during World War II and the Korean War.
“We’re flying a piece of history,” Thomas proudly explains.“They’ve got quite a military heritage.”
Warbird Thunder’s 12-minute performance is highlighted by what Thomas describes as “big smoke and big noise.” From as low as 100 feet near the surface to 2,000 feet in the air, his two-plane formation will be looping and rolling. You’ll watch formation loops, aileron rolls, barrel rolls, and Cuban Eights; the planes also separate bringing more excitement with opposing aerobatics before rejoining for the final maneuvers in their fast-paced segment.
“These are big planes with a big physical presence,” he says. “It’s always an exciting show.”
Be sure to listen for that signature “bark” — actually the tips of the propeller reaching the speed of sound.
