Air Force Thunderbirds to return to Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach for Memorial Day 2015
The Thunderbirds performs during a practice run of the Jones Beach Air Show on May 22, 2009. Credit: Howard Schnapp
The Thunderbirds are returning to the annual Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach State Park.
After a six-year hiatus, the Air Force demonstration squadron will fly high at the 2015 Memorial Day weekend show, Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) announced Tuesday.
The Air Force has committed to bring the Thunderbirds back to the Jones Beach event after federal budget cuts, part of sequestration, prohibited the service branch from fulfilling its scheduled performances in 2013, according to Schumer.
Schumer, in a statement, called the Thunderbirds "the cherry on top" when it comes to the Jones Beach show.
The event has attracted as many as 400,000 people in years past, and last year it drew more than 300,000, according to officials. Schumer called the air show a "large revenue stream" for Long Island.
From 2004 through 2010, the Thunderbirds and the Navy's Blue Angels alternated as headliners.
What to expect overnight from the nor'easter ... Officials keeping a close eye on storm damage ... Coastal towns pummeled What to expect overnight from the nor'easter ... Flooding across Long Island ... Significant erosion expected ... Officials: "Don't let your guard down"
What to expect overnight from the nor'easter ... Officials keeping a close eye on storm damage ... Coastal towns pummeled What to expect overnight from the nor'easter ... Flooding across Long Island ... Significant erosion expected ... Officials: "Don't let your guard down"
