3 minute read
Gulf Coast Salute Airshow
BY SYDNEY CLIFTON, VISIT PCB
As the Gulf Coast Salute Air Show returns to the Bay County area, the anticipation is soaring among aviation enthusiasts and beachgoers alike. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Gulf of Mexico, this exhilarating event promises heart stopping aerial displays, thrilling performances, and family-friendly entertainment, making it a must-see attraction for visitors and locals of all ages. With its rich history and tradition of honoring military service, the Gulf Coast Salute Air Show embodies the spirit of patriotism and celebrates the awe-inspiring beauty of flight.
Scheduled to take place on May 4 & 5, 2024 at the Russell-Fields City Pier, the Gulf Coast Salute Air Show is met with eager excitement. The air show is making its return to the Panhandle after a six-year hiatus. Damages caused by Hurricane Michael in 2018 caused setbacks, but the resilience and determination of the community shines through as we welcome back this beloved event. This air show is made possible with the collaboration of Tyndall Air Force Base, the Bay County Chamber, the Panama City Beach Chamber, Panama City Beach Parks and Recreation, and Visit Panama City Beach.
“Visit Panama City Beach is thrilled to have the opportunity to host the 2024 Gulf Coast Salute Air Show on the white sandy beaches,” said Visit Panama City Beach President and CEO Dan Rowe. “We are such a military centric community and it’s important to us that we work with the military to make momentous events like this happen.”
One of the highlights of the Gulf Coast Salute Air Show is its impressive roster of aerial performers, showcasing skilled pilots and aerobatic teams renowned for their daring maneuvers and precision. Pilots will have a practice day on Friday, May 3, and will fly on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All three flight days are open to the public.
Along with vendor booths lining the road in front of the pier, a special traveling exhibit will be featured at the event. CAF RISE ABOVE has a fully functioning mobile movie theater playing two compelling original RISE ABOVE short films. The films tell the story of the Tuskegee Airmen and the WASP. Each film highlights the obstacles both groups overcame to be able to serve their country during WWII. The PCB Chamber of Commerce has graciously sponsored this exhibit, bringing a unique element to this already extraordinary event.
Beyond the excitement of the air show itself, the Gulf Coast Salute holds special significance as a tribute to the men and women of the United States Armed Forces. Attendees have the opportunity to honor and support military personnel past and present, recognizing their sacrifices and contributions to the nation’s security.
As the countdown for the air show begins, plan how you’re going to spend it and figure out who you are most excited to see. Check out the list below to see all the demonstrations and performances.
Military Demonstrations
The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds
F-22 Flight Demo
KC-46 Flyby
325th FW Flyby
U.S. Navy LCAC Demo
1st Special Operations Wing Parachute Demo
F-15EX Flyby
QF-16 Flyby
Civilian Performances
Nostalgic Flights T-28 Trojan Thunder Aerial Display
Acemaker Aviation T-33
Fighter Jets Inc Demo Team MiG- 17F/PF
Vampire Airshows de Havilland DH-15
Quicksilver P-51 Mustang “The Resurrected Veteran”
Mini Jet Airshows
Patty Wagstaff
Mike Goulian
Mark your calendars, gather your loved ones, and get ready to witness the magic of flight at the Gulf Coast Salute Air Show!
