For three years, it’s what many San Diegans have been waiting for since the news was announced.
It was the summer of 2020 during the height of the pandemic that the Miramar Air Show was being cancelled. It was cancelled again in 2021, with the spread of the virus still around.
But now, starting today, the sights and sounds of the largest military air show in the country, including the Navy’s amazing Blue Angels roar back this weekend.
The return of the Miramar Air Show marks the 25th anniversary of when the Marine Corp Air Station opened after the Marine air stations in Orange County at El Toro and Tustin were closed.
Before that Miramar was the Naval Air Station that became most famous for the Top Gun School that was created in 1969 at the height of the Vietnam War to train elite fighter pilots for battle.
But Miramar’s military history goes back to 1917 during WW 1 when the Army bought the property and created Camp Kearny named after Gen Stephen Kearny, whose Army of the West had captured California during the Mexican American War.
After the war, the unused base found good use as the training site for Charles Lindbergh, whose Spirit of St. Louis was built by Ryan Airlines in San Diego. Lindbergh practiced tricky landings and take-offs with the new plane and from San Diego, he took off for New York, Paris and international fame.
So when you’re out at the air show, and you’re standing near the flight line and looking to the sky, take a moment to remember the many thousands of men and women who have helped make Miramar a special place and have dedicated their lives to protecting us and their country.
READ MORE about history of MCAS Miramar.
WATCH VIDEO BELOW of Miramar Air Show highlights.
(Photo Getty Images)