ICYMI: MacDill AirFest 2018 Dates Announced

TAMPA, FL — Tampa Bay area residents eager for the return of MacDill’s AirFest have some dates to put on their calendars. The 6th Air Mobility Wing confirmed Tuesday that the show will make a return in 2018.

MacDill AirFest 2018 is set to take place on the Tampa Air Force Base May 12-13. The United States Navy’s Blue Angels will appear as the headline act, the 6th Air Mobility Wing confirmed in a Tuesday email to media.

“The show will also feature aerial performances by both military and civilian aviators,” the base’s email said. “Static aircraft will be on display, including many of the Department of Defense’s cargo, fighter and special purpose aircraft.”

MacDill also announced that its AirFest 2016 earned the Best Military Air Show award from the United States Air Force’s Thunderbirds. That award is bestowed on the show that goes above and beyond “to bring the Thunderbirds’ mission to the public, to emphasize safety and discipline, and to help recruit the next generation of airmen.” The 2016 show also earned the Pinnacle Award Gold from the International Council of Airshow’s conference.

“We are honored and proud to be able to give back to a community that gives us so much support,” said Col April Vogel, commander of the 6th Air Mobility Wing. “The two awards that our 2016 airshow garnered can be directly attributed to that support.”

MacDill AirFest 2016 was staged back in March after taking a two-year hiatus due to financial constraints.

Full details about the 2018 return are not yet available, including whether the Thunderbirds will make an appearance.

Photo courtesy of the Navy’s Blue Angels media gallery