Air Show Returns To Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst

(Video via Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Facebook page)

LAKEHURST, NJ -- After a year's hiatus, the Power in the Pines Air Show is returning to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst this weekend.

The air show and open house begins Saturday at the base, the only tri-service base in the nation, and goes through mid-afternoon Sunday, according to base officials.

The event is set to feature the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. The Thunderbirds will perform expert aerial maneuvers in the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Also scheduled to perform are the U.S. Army Golden Knights, the Geico Skytypers, the Breitling Jet Team and the U.S. Navy F-18 Demo Team.

"The Gladiators of Strike Fighter Squadron 106 are excited to be heading to your show!" the Navy team posted on the Joint Base's Facebook page. "We will be showcasing the amazing F/A-18F Super Hornet. Stand by for LOUD!"

The crews were enroute to the base on Thursday:

In addition to the aerial performances, there will be static ground displays of military air and ground equipment and a variety of entertainment throughout the two-day event, including performances by the 78th Army Band. Music Performance Teams (MPTs) from the band will be performing from 9-11 a.m. and 5-6 p.m.

"We are looking forward to welcoming our community partners to our open house and air show," said Lt. Col. Pat Rayner, 2016 Open House and Air Show director. “This is a great opportunity to thank our community for their support and to showcase what goes on behind our gates and in our skies each day.”

The base is monitoring the weather, officials said. In the case of periods of sustained rain, low clouds or thunderstorms in the area, the aerial performances could be delayed or canceled. The static displays will be available rain or shine and hangars will be available for visitors to take shelter if necessary. There is no makeup date for the show if it's delayed or cancelled.

Gates open at 9 a.m. with performances beginning at 11 a.m. Visitors can enter through the McGuire Main Gate at the intersection of Cookstown-Wrightstown Road and Defense Access Highway, or the Route 68 Gate at the intersection of Route 68 and Fort Dix Road, base officials said. More information can be found here.

The event is free and parking is free, but the base has lists of permitted and prohibited items. All carry-in items and people are subject to searches.

Permitted items include:

• Strollers and wagons for toddlers
• Diaper bags
• Lawn chairs
• Women‘s purses
• Handicapped items such as wheelchairs
• Cameras, video recorders, and binoculars, mono/tripods

They recommend attendees bring sunscreen, earplugs, water bottles and lawn chairs.

Prohibited items include:

• Weapons of any kind
• Pocket knives
• Pocket tools
• Scissors
• Box cutters
• Nun chucks
• Batons
• Large, heavy chain-link jewelry or belts
• Mace and pepper spray
• Firearms of any type
• Drones
• Laser pointers
• Toys that resemble firearms
• Fireworks
• Spray paint and Silly String
• Glass containers of any kind
• Alcohol
• Illegal drugs
• Bicycles, Scooters
• Skateboards
• Heelies, Roller skates, or Rollerblades
• Coolers
• Balloons
• Ruc sacks, backpacks (Except clear/mesh bags)
• No pets (except service dogs)

Visit the base's website for more information on prohibited items or call 609-754-2104 for more information.

"Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst is the nation's only tri-service joint base. It borders two of the largest counties in New Jersey, Ocean and Burlington. The base is the second largest employer in the State of New Jersey and contributes more than $6.9 billion in payroll to the economy. Active-duty, Reserve and Guard service members from the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Coast Guard ensure joint and total force integration by training, supporting and sustaining installation and global contingency operations. Together, we are uniquely capable of projecting air, land and sea power in support of our nation's defense," officials said.