WBCA announces 2022 Air Show lineup
The Washington’s Birthday Celebration Association announced their line-up for the 2022 Air Show for the Stars and Stripes Air Show Spectacular on Thursday. This year’s 23rd edition of the event is Lance Cpl. dedicated. David Lee Espinoza, of the Laredo Marine, who died in Afghanistan this year.
The show will take place on Sunday, February 27, 2022 at Laredo International Airport and features the F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team and the Phillips 66 Aerostars. Additionally, Randy Ball, Mike Gallaway, Greg Colyer Ace Maker II, Erik Edgren and Bob Richards will perform their daring maneuvers for the community.
In addition, the REMAX Skydiving Team, Texas Army National Guard Skydivers, Lewis Air Legends and more will perform. All are narrated by Air Show Commentator Mike “Spanky” Galloway.
“We are excited to showcase the best the US Air Force has to offer in the F-35A, along with the incredible flight performance of the Phillips 66 Aerostars,” said WBCA President Natalie Hernandez. “We are also humbled and honored to be able to honor the memory of one of Laredo’s fallen heroes at Lance Cpl. David Lee Espinoza by dedicating the WBCA Air Show to him and his family. “
Tickets go on sale for $ 5 through January 20 at 11:59 p.m. CET. After that, they cost up to $ 10 for adults. Children up to 12 years have free entry. Preferred seating is available at the Flightline Chalet for $ 20 and includes sun and shaded seating areas, a prime viewing area, free pizza, and soft drinks.
The F-35A Lightning II is the latest fifth generation fighter aircraft from the US Air Force. According to the Air Combat Command, the Lightning II is a stealth, all-weather, air-to-air, and surface attack fighter that allows a direct attack on the most heavily defended ground targets.
“The F-35A is an agile, versatile, high-performance, 9g-capable, multi-purpose fighter that combines stealth, sensor fusion and unprecedented situational awareness,” they say.
The Lightning II can reach speeds of Mach 1.6 and its maiden flight took place on December 15, 2006. It can generate 43,000 pounds of thrust, has a wingspan of 35 feet, a length of 51 feet, and can carry a payload of 18,000 pounds.
As co-headliners, the Phillips 66 Aerostars say they are among the most recognized precision aerobatic teams in the sky, and have delighted audiences at air shows around the world for more than a decade. The three planes fly over 250 miles per hour, just a few feet apart, performing barrel rolls, formation loops, and enemy maneuvers.
“With a total of 80 years of professional flight experience, the Phillips 66 Aerostars have established themselves as true ambassadors for aviation and a source of inspiration for fans of all ages,” says the group’s Facebook page.
“Southern Distributing Company and Miller Lite are proud to be the title sponsor of the spectacular Stars and Stripes Air Show,” said Kiko Treviño, vice president of Southern Distributing Company, distributors of Miller Coors products. “This event is always exciting and the WBCA always has a great show. Many thanks to the board of directors and all of the members who have worked so hard to make this possible. We are very happy that we were able to be part of this event again, which brings our entire community together. “
The WBCA celebration will take place from January 20th to February 27th.