top of page

2022 NAS OCEANA "Back to the Beach" Air Show

Fly High Aviation Media is proud to bring you the 2022 NAS OCEANA “Back to the Beach” Air Show. Staged at Naval Air Station Oceana Virginia Beach VA, on the dates of 17th & 18th September 2022. Experience the thunder of military jet demonstrations, breathtaking aerobatic performances, and nostalgic warbirds. Fly High Aviation Media was proud to participate and bring you a report on the 2022 NAS Oceana “Back to the Beach” Air Show – a thrilling show of aviation excellence.

The NAS Oceana 2022 Air Show is back with a bang! Visitors were not disappointed, with an exciting line-up of US Navy and US Marine Corps aerial demonstrations as well as appearances from the US Air Force, US Army, US Coast Guard and several invigorating civilian acts. Don't miss the chance to experience this unique and thrilling event on the Virginia Beach calendar. 

Witness the best of the best in the air show world at the 2022 NAS Oceana Air Show. The Blue Angels, Rhino Demo Team (VFA-106), USMC F-35 Lightning II Demo, USCG, F-16 Viper Demo, Leapfrogs Navy para team & US Navy EOD Para demo, and several talented civilian pilots will put on a show like no other. The public were amazed, with the 2022 NAS Oceana Air Show, as it featured an incredible lineup of demo teams and individual acts. From the US Navy's Blue Angels to the F-35 Lightning II Demo from the US Marine Corps and US Coast Guard, with the Rhino Demo Team (VFA-106) and the F-16 Viper Demo performing some of the most thrilling stunts. The Leapfrogs Navy Parachute team and US Navy EOD Parachute Demo were great show opening spectacles, Civilian pilots and acts also took part, including Bob Carlton, Jessy Panzer, Matt Younkin, Michael Goulian, and Skip Stewart. The air show had something for everyone, from the latest fast jets to historic flights .  Don't miss out on the 2023 incredible event.

Fly High Aviation Media would like to thank Jackie Parashar, NAS Oceana Public Affairs Officer, the organizers, volunteer's and Public Affairs Office, for an enjoyable time while on base, a very professionally organized event, thank you for all your help in making this event run smoothly

Photography: Harry Morrow.

Fly High Aviation Media were there to capture all the action on Friday 16th (STEM & practice day) & Saturday 17th September 2022.

The Blue Angels are the U.S. Navy’s Flight Demonstration Squadron. The Blue Angel pilots perform aerial acrobatics in their F/A-18 Hornets that dazzle audiences of all ages. From loops and rolls to knife-edge passes and delta formations, the Blue Angels never fail to impress. This year’s show will feature Blue Angel #6 seen here on the hot ramp at NAS Oceana, waiting for the show to start. The aerial demonstrations are sure to be breathtaking and the sights and sounds of the Blue Angels are always an experience you won’t forget. Be sure to check out the Blue Angels images further down this report.

A selection of the visitors that came along to display in the static line up at the 2022 NAS Oceana air show, which featured an impressive aircraft static line up. Visitors to the show were able to get up close to a selection of amazing aircraft from the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marine Corps, and the U.S. Army. Among the aircraft visitors lined up from left to right are, E-2C Hawkeye, C-2A Greyhound, CH-47 Chinook, T-38A Talon, Cessna 172S Skyhawk,  T-6B Texan II, Cessna 206F Stationair, L-19A Bird Dog, FG-1D Corsair, Vans RV-12, AD-4 Skyraider, F-35 Lightning II and FM-2 Wildcat, plus many more.

Experience some of the colorful F/A-18 Super Hornets on display at the 2022 NAS Oceana Air Show! Come witness some of the most amazing aerial performances from the bold and daring naval aviators from squadrons such as the VFA-37 RAGIN BULLS, VFA-34 BLUE BLASTERS, VFA-32 SWORDSMEN, VFA-211 CHECKMATES,  VFA-213 BLACK LIONS AND VFA-11 RED RIPPERS.

NAS Oceana 2022 Air Show is proud to present the USAF F-16 Viper demo team, Primary Function: Suppression and/or destruction of enemy air defenses, air and ground interdiction, in the very capable hands of captain Aimee Fiedler. Come and witness the high-performance of this USAF front line fighter jet and be amazed.

NAS Oceana 2022 AIR SHOW is the premier air show for the Navy and Marine Corps. We are proud to show the most talented pilots, parachuters, and other performers, who put on a show that is truly unforgettable. The United States Navy Parachute Team “The Leap Frogs” opened the air show, it was a great experience to watch these brave Navy SEALs and Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen (SWCC) as they take to the sky in breathtaking feats of courage and daring.

We are pleased to welcome Explosive Ordnance Disposal U.S. Navy EOD Jump Team to NAS Oceana to demonstrate the professionalism and precision of one of the Navy’s most elite communities. EOD personnel are highly trained, skilled technicians who can handle chemical, biological and radiological threats. Tasked with protecting and saving lives around the world, they are the U.S. military’s only EOD force that can both parachute from the air to reach distant targets, and dive under the sea to disarm weapons.

NAS Oceana 2022 AIR SHOW provides an unforgettable experience to spectators, featuring an extraordinary selection of military and civilian aircraft, such as the MH-53 from the local NAS Norfolk Navy Base that opened the show with a parachute drop and a spectacular low pass.

Skip Stewart's jaw-dropping air display in his highly modified Pitts aircraft, Prometheus, is a must-see at any air show. His high-energy routine is executed with precision and skill as he maneuvers the plane on all axis. With his incredible ribbon-cutting routine, Stewart is sure to capture the hearts of all viewers. 

The annual air show at Oceana Naval Air Station provided a fitting backdrop for the U.S. Navy’s official Change of Command ceremony, as Commander Scotty “CAWK” Golich retired from his successful tenure as commander of the fleet’s elite VFC-12 “Fighting Omars” adversary simulation squadron. The ceremony was a fitting tribute to the hard work and dedication of Commander Golich and his team.

U.S. Navy Commander David Golich, flew a distinctively painted F/A-18E Super Hornet with “Flanker” style camouflage and Russian mks on his last flight as commander of VFC-12. He lead a formation of Super Hornets, one painted in Chinese adversary markings, before handing over command to U.S. Navy Commander Adam Stevens, call sign “McKid”. It was a truly awe-inspiring moment.

Matt Younkin's air show display with his Twin Beech 18 "Miss Ellie" is a must-see! His aerobatic routine is truly incredible as he pushes the boundaries of what the aircraft was designed for. Watch as Matt puts on a show with lots of smoke and rolls and loops that you won't forget! Don't miss out on this amazing performance from Matt Younkin and his Twin Beech 18 "Miss Ellie

Great news for all aviation fans! the US Coast Guard returning to the show for the first time in a number of years. Spectators were treated to awe-inspiring formation passes from a HC-130 Hercules and MH-60 Jayhawk from Air Station Elizabeth City, as well as solo passes from each.

The Air Power Demo is a brief glimpse into the power of the fleet air power. This year's demo featured some of the best aircraft the Navy has to offer, including the VFA-87 “Golden Warriors”, VFA-105 “Gunslingers”, VFA-213 “Black Lions”, VFA-32 “Swordsmen”, VFA-31 “Tomcatters”, VFA-131 “Wildcats”, and VFA-83 “Rampagers”. Spectators were treated to incredible feats of air combat maneuvers and air-to-air refueling.

Spectators were treated to incredible aerobatics and incredible maneuvers, in the shape of this Extra 300 flown by female pilot Jessy Panzer, with 8,500 hours of flying experience in many different types of aircraft from Piper J-3 Cub to Learjet 55

Bob Carlton’s Jet Powered Glider. Bob Carlton began flying in 1979 at the age of 19. He has since logged over 2000 hours in a wide variety of aircraft and holds a commercial pilot certificate. Bob has flown hang gliders, airplanes, helicopters, and sailplanes from hundreds of sites in the US, Canada, Mexico and Australia. Bob has flown airshows professionally since 1993. Bob is one of the most versatile airshow performers in North America. He began flying airshows in his Salto sailplane, and over the years has continued to add innovative performances such as barnstormin' biplane aerobatics, helicopter sailplane tow, night aerobatics with strobes & pyro and the world's only twin jet sailplane. The tradition of innovation continues with the recent addition of the Super Salto jet sailplane, with more power, more speed and more aerobatic capability than any other sailplane on the planet!

The US Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet East Coast Demo is sure to leave you in awe. This demo team wows audiences with their impressive high-speed passes and low-level maneuvers. The team is based out of Naval Air Station Oceana and is staffed by instructors from the VFA-106 Gladiators squadron. This demonstration team puts on a show that is sure to be remembered for years to come.

The US Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet Legacy Flight is a breathtaking demonstration that celebrates the history of naval aviation. Watch the modern F/A-18F Super Hornet fly in formation with the iconic Korean War Hero F4U-4 Corsair warbird, a matchup of old and new that will truly take your breath away. With its distinctive “gull wing” and huge propeller, the Corsair is a symbol of American bravery and an unforgettable sight when paired with the Super Hornet.

The US Navy F-35C Lightning II Demo is an impressive sight. With its larger wings and robust landing gear, the F-35C is the Navy and Marine Corps' stealth strike-fighter. Spectators at this year's air show were in awe as they witnessed the incredible maneuverability of this incredible machine. It was a pleasure to witness this amazing aircraft in action and capture the awe-inspiring images. Until next year's show

The US Navy Legacy Flight is an incredible display of American military might and pride. The Dixie Wing F4U/FG-1 Corsair flew alongside the F-35 and F/A-18 demo teams in a breathtaking display of aerial skill and prowess. The performance was capped off with a wing fold salute, truly a sight to behold and a reminder of why we Fly Navy

Goulian Aerosports offers a unique solo display of aerobatic performance that will entertain and amaze. Michael Goulian has thrilled audiences around the world with his award-winning aerobatic maneuvers and will put on a show that you won't forget. His experience in the Red Bull Air Race World Championship makes Goulian Aerosports the perfect choice to provide an amazing air show experience.

The Blue Angels are renowned for their spectacular aerial displays, featuring six F/A-18 Hornets. Their performances include precision formation flying, high-speed passes, and dynamic maneuvers to showcase the capabilities of today’s naval aviators. The team’s commitment to excellence and professionalism is an inspiration to all who witness their performance. It’s easy to see why their performances attract millions of spectators during air shows each year! Thank you.

Fly High Aviation Media hopes to see you all at the next NAS Oceana 2023.

Black logo - no background.png
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube
  • TikTok
bottom of page