MERIDIAN —
Naval Air Station Meridian celebrates its 50th anniversary honoring the commissioning of the base in July 1961, along with celebrating the Centennial of Naval Aviation with an air show featuring the Navy's elite Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels.
The "Golden Wings Over Meridian" is set for March 26-27. Gates open at 9 a.m. The Angels last performed at NAS Meridian in March 2008 for a record-breaking crowd of more than 90,000 spectators. The NAS Meridian air show will be the third stop during the Blue Angels' 38-show 2011 season.
Along with the Blue Angels other exciting demonstrations and static displays will be featured with military and civilian aircraft.
Famed air show announcer Rob Reider returns to NAS Meridian to narrate the air show. This is Rob's 33rd year as an announcer and his sixth as a full-time air show announcer.
Air Show tips
What to bring ...
* Cash — Admission is free, but you may want to purchase food, beverages or souvenirs. Limited ATMs available.
• Purses/Diaper Bags — No backpacks. Only small bags with infant care items or needed medications.
• Strollers/wagons — For transportation of small children.
• Moist towelettes — Air shows normally have outdoor bathroom facilities and having a way to freshen up afterwards is a good idea.
• Hat/Head Cover — Can make a lot of difference to your comfort level. Ball caps are OK, but watch out for sunburn on your lower face and neck. Many people prefer to wear hats with wide brims for better protection.
• Sunglasses — Polarized lenses are especially good for shows since they reduce glare.
• Something to sit on — Bring lawn or camping chairs, or something to use as a drop sheet if you plan to sit on the ground. Keep in mind that you'll be looking up at an angle for most of the show so a chair that is somewhat reclined may be more comfortable.
• Sunscreen — You'll probably be in the sun a lot. Beware on cloudy or hazy days — you may get more sun than you think. Don't forget to cover the children! The higher the SPF the better. Use lip balm.
• Bug Spray — Insects might be a problem.
• Rain gear — Be prepared for showers. Many air shows continue in light rain as long as the clouds are high enough.
• Binoculars — Low and medium power binoculars tend to work well for checking out detail. Higher powers are difficult to use for aircraft in flight. Watch out for the sun while you're chasing down that aircraft.
• Camera — Don't forget your cameras and video cameras, but they cannot be in a bag.
• Earplugs — It's a good idea to bring earplugs. Jets can make a lot of noise in some cases, or you may find yourself next to an overly loud speaker system for the air show announcer.
Do's ...
• Do come early and leave late — you will avoid some of the traffic. Most air shows have static displays of aircraft, etc. The gates open at 9 a.m. Take time to look around.
• Do find out where you can get medical aid or seek assistance if you need it. If you are in a group and you get separated, where will you meet? If you have children with you make sure they know how to get help if they get lost.
• Do consider where to sit. Most people insist on getting as close to "front and center" as they can. While this is fine, you might be just as happy sitting farther back or at the end of the viewing area where it may be less crowded.
• Do stay aware. There are often vehicles or machinery moving around public areas such as the static displays.
• Do ask questions. Often there are aircraft owners or representatives at the static displays. Most people are very proud of their airplanes and they'll be happy to answer your questions.
• Do wear comfortable shoes. You may cover several miles before the day is done.
Don'ts ...
• Coolers/backpacks/camelbacks — Food and beverage will be available for purchase.
• Animals/Pets — not authorized for everyone's safety.
• Bicycles/skateboards/scooters/heelys or rollerblades — Not authorized for everyone's safety.
• Weapons — No knives or guns are authorized for everyone's safety.
• Don't touch the aircraft. Many aircraft in static displays have bits and pieces that can be damaged, broken, bent, etc., if you don't know what you're doing. Never touch an aircraft unless someone in authority invites you to do so. Never move a propeller, and keep clear of the "prop" at all times. There will be designated smoking areas.
• Don't smoke around aircraft. Planes in a static display sometimes vent fuel as the plane heats up in the sun. Some fabric-covered aircraft have coatings that are highly flammable.
• Don't litter. Clean up your viewing area once you are done.
