Air Force Thunderbirds close out Jones Beach air show rehearsal after weather cancels morning runs
Fighter jets roared over Jones Beach after weather delayed the start of the FourLeaf Air Show rehearsal on Friday.
The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds performed the practice air show's finale with a soaring, roaring formation over the iconic tower and crowds on the beach.
The jets wowed a loyal, but chilly crowd of about 32,000 spectators who traded their swimsuits for sweatshirts, toting beach gear on the Jones Beach boardwalk.
"We go to the beach all the time and love this tradition," said Jeffrey Grant, 73, of Seaford, who with his wife, Susan, wore winter hats to walk the boardwalk and watch the air show. "I've seen the full show and have been coming for years. It was nice they made the attempt."
The full show lineup is scheduled to fly over the beach on Saturday and Sunday, when the weather should be milder, according to meteorologist Bill Goodman with the National Weather Service's Upton office.
The Saturday forecast calls for "partly cloudy skies" and a 20% chance of showers in the afternoon, Goodman said. "Most likely it will remain dry through the day."
High temperatures Saturday will be in the mid-60s, Goodman said. Sunday will be mostly sunny, with less wind and temperatures again in the mid-60s.
Organizers expect about 100,000 spectators Saturday. A sunny Sunday could see the largest crowd of about 150,000 people.
The air show includes more than a dozen performers representing the four branches of the military and civilian stunt pilots. The Memorial Day weekend tribute to the fallen has become a tradition in its 21st year. Last year the air show attracted 350,000 visitors over the three days.
"Having it on Memorial Day weekend is a great way to honor those that have given their all for us, honor the military, honor the sacrifice of our veterans," said George Gorman, New York State Parks regional director for Long Island. "We cannot thank them enough."
This year’s air show marks the 250th anniversary of the Army, Navy and Marines, and the end of World War II and the Vietnam War. It also marks the 78th anniversary of the Air Force, which started more than a century ago as the U.S. Air Service.
The overcast weather canceled the first performance of the Thunderbirds and other acts such as the U.S. Army’s Golden Knights paratrooper team, which is expected to make their jump over the water Saturday.
By Friday afternoon, the high speed fighter jets in the Navy and the Marines F-35 demo teams were able to break the clouds and roar across the sky at speeds reaching up to 1,200 mph.
The Navy’s Rhino and Growler demo teams took off as blue sky broke through the clouds. The Rhino team, named after the F/A-18 Super Hornet, reached speeds of 700 mph and flew upside down in an "inverted whisper pass" as it whizzed quietly along the coastline.
Most of the acts were able to salvage their rehearsal performances Friday afternoon.
Friday’s show also featured Melville stunt pilot David Windmiller, known for his perennial performances in a Zivko Edge 540 as he zooms and twirls through the sky.
Windmiller said he had to cut his acrobatic performance short due to poor weather at Republic Airport in Farmingdale where he took off and had to head back to land.
State park officials also addressed the progress on the East Bathhouse, built in 1930 with the opening of Jones Beach, that is undergoing a $100 million renovation. The work is part of a $200 million statewide initiative by Gov. Kathy Hochul to increase swimming opportunities.
The bathhouse, closed since 2009, has been undergoing demolition for the past year. State officials hope to reopen a new accessible swimming pool, splash pad and lifeguard quarters while maintaining the historic structure.
"Jones Beach is one of those incredible, shining gems here in New York State. We all have a personal story and connection to this beach," state Office of General Services Commissioner Jeanette Moy said Friday. "And this is a special place for everyone in Long Island."
John Asbury is a breaking news and general assignment reporter. He has been with Newsday since 2014 and previously worked at The Press-Enterprise in Riverside, California.
'Tis the season for the NewsdayTV Holiday Show! The NewsdayTV team looks at the most wonderful time of the year and the traditions that make it special on LI.
'Tis the season for the NewsdayTV Holiday Show! The NewsdayTV team looks at the most wonderful time of the year and the traditions that make it special on LI.
