16 Oct 2023 Little Rock AFB to host first air show since 2018

Posted at 6:30 PMh in News by

LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. – Thunder Over the Rock, Little Rock AFB’s first air show since 2018, is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 21 and Sunday, Oct. 22. Admission and parking for the air show are free. The main gate opens to the general public at 8 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. 

The USAF Thunderbirds fly in a six-ship formation during the Wings Over Columbus 2022 Airshow March 25, 2022, on Columbus Air Force Base, MS. The demonstration is a mix of six aircraft performing formation flying and solo routines. The four-ship Diamond formation showcases the precision and training of U.S. Air Force Pilots, as well as the gracefulness of the F-16. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jake Jacobsen)

Headlining this year’s air show is the Air Force’s premier demonstration team, the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, better known as the Thunderbirds. The Thunderbirds will perform incredible formations including sharp turns, loops, rolls and inverted rolls, displaying the pride, precision and professionalism the U.S. Air Force represents. The air show will feature two Thunderbirds performances, one on Saturday and another on Sunday, both at 2:30 p.m.

Thunder Over the Rock spectators will also get an up-close and personal view of the mission at Team Little Rock as they perform during the C-130 capabilities exercise (CAPEX). The CAPEX is a unique joint display of effects like an airfield seizure operation, showcasing Team Little Rock’s trademark teamwork and precision aerial skills. Also featured in the CAPEX will be the A-10 Thunderbolt II from the 358th Fighter Squadron at Whiteman AFB, Mu., the venerable workhorse UH-60s Blackhawks from the Arkansas Army National Guard’s 77th Theater Aviation Brigade at Camp Robinson, and 200 Army paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Liberty, N.C.

Along with the Thunderbirds’ and CAPEX’s performances, guests will watch the U.S. Air Force F‐35 Demonstration Team, the U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team, the U.S. Air Force Academy Wings of Blue Parachute Jump Team, the Aftershock Jet Truck, “Tora, Tora, Tora,” a commemorative Air Force’s recreation of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and more. Additionally, there will be a variety of modern and historic aircraft on display.

Thunder Over the Rock will also feature an entire hangar dedicated to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education and innovation, with several displays and interactive activities.

The 19th Force Support Squadron will also have VIP tickets available for purchase. Food and drink vendors will also be present. For the most up-to-date information on performers, parking, event maps, VIP seating and vendors, visit thunderovertherock.com or on Facebook at Thunder Over the Rock | Facebook.