Arctic Lightning Airshow 2023

Aerial Performances
Aerial Performances:
- F-35 Demonstration Team
- Pacific Air Forces F-16 Demonstration Team
- Ace Maker T-33
- U.S. Special Operations Command Para-Commandos
- Commemorative Air Force Alaska
- US Army Airpower Exhibition (AH-64/HH-60)
- Joint Forces Demonstration (F-16, F-35, F-22, AH-64, UH-60)
Static Displays
Static Displays:
- U.S. Army HH-60 Blackhawk
- U.S. Army UH-60 Blackhawk
- U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook
- U.S. Army AH-64 Apache
- U.S. Army MQ-1C Grey Eagle
- Civil Air Patrol (CAP) C-182 Skylane
- CAP GA-7 172 G-1000 Skyhawk
- CAP ASK-21
- Alaska State Troopers DHC Beaver
- Commemorative Air Forces (CAF) Harvard
- CAF BT-13 Valiant
- CAF AT-6 Texan
- CAF L-13 Grasshopper
- U.S Air Force (USAF) F-16 Fighting Falcon
- USAF F-35A Lighting II
- Alaska Air National Guard KC-135 Stratotanker
- LifeMed Learjet
- T-33 Firefly
- 354th Civil Engineer Squadron Runway Sweeper
- Eielson Fire Smokehouse
- 354th Range Squadron Surface-To-Air-Missile (SAM) systems: SA-6, SS-21, SA-20
- 3rd Air Support Operations Squadron tactical display
Entertainment
Entertainment:
- The Blastards
- F-35 vs Sports Car Drag Race
Concessions
Food Trucks and Concepts:
- Early Bird Loaded Fries
- Alaska's Best Gourmet Hot Dogs
- Stuff Yo Face
- Alaska Soda Jerk
- Nikkos in the Park
- The Fire
- Bristol's Shaved Ice
- The Cottage Bakery
- Golden Heart Treats
- Corn Diggity Dogs
- M & T Vietnamese
- Wok & Roll
- Delightful Fudge
- Stir it Up
- Smokehouse BBQ
- Donut Burger
- GG Macs
- Woody's Kettle Corn
- The She Shack
Vendor information: https://eielsonforcesupport.com/festivals/airshow
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions:
- How much are tickets?
Free! Any attempt to sell you tickets is a scam and we ask that you please report it to 354fw.pa.publicaffairs@eielson.af.mil or via Facebook Messenger to the Eielson AFB account.
- Will the Richardson Highway be closed during the Airshow?
The section of the Richardson Highway along the Eielson flight line will be closed periodically throughout the airshow. We are still working with local authorities to finalize these details.
- Can a Department of Defense cardholder sponsor non-cardholders through the North Gate (Hursey Gate) during the Airshow?
Not necessary! The airshow is completely free and open to the public. Non-DoD cardholders will not need to be sponsored on the installation.
- What identification is required to get on base?
There will be no identification requirements for visitors entering through the Main Gate (Hursey Gate). The Temporary Gate will only be used by personnel assigned to Eielson AFB, Distinguished Visitors, and Vendors. Distinguished Visitors and Vendors will be vetted and added to an EAL prior to the Airshow.
- Will hearing protection be provided?
Earplugs are not provided to attendees. Visitors are highly encouraged to bring their own for ease of use or comfort.
- Are seats available or can I bring my own foldable chairs?
Yes! You can bring your own chairs, but please be mindful of others and do not leave them unattended.
- Can I bring my own food and drinks to the Airshow?
Unfortunately, no. There will be a variety of food vendors on-site. Only food allowed is that for an infant or toddler.
- Can we bring alcohol onto the base?
No, but alcohol will be available for purchase at the airshow. But it must be consumed on the premise and we ask that people have a plan for a designated driver to get them home safely.
- Will spectators be allowed to take photos and video?
Of course! We encourage all visitors to take photos and videos throughout the event.
- Will there be sitting areas, restrooms, etc. for people with disabilities?
Anyone covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act will have reserved spots located closest to security. There will also be handicap accessible bathrooms available.
- Are pets allowed?
No, but service animals with the appropriate paperwork are permitted.
- Is there a schedule for the aerial performances?
The airshow schedule will be available upon arrival. Expect four hours of condensed and exciting aerial events and displays!
- I have small children. Can I bring a stroller, diaper bag, or change of clothes?
Yes. Strollers will be hand-searched at the security checkpoint. Please bring only necessary items in the diaper bag, subject to hand-search at the security checkpoint. Also please consider bringing hearing protection for small children.
- Will there be any souvenirs available?
Yes. There will be concessions at the Arctic Lightning Airshow 2023 for food, drinks, and souvenirs.
- Can I leave and re-enter the Arctic Lightning Airshow 2023?
Yes. You may leave and re-enter as many times as needed. However, anyone re-entering will have to go through the shuttle bus line and security checkpoints again.
- What type of medical services will be available?
First aid only will be provided such as oral hydration, treatment for minor cuts and bruises, and application of emergency medications (ex. Epi-pens). Medical personnel will stabilize and coordinate transportation to higher level of care for all other injuries/illnesses.
PRESS RELEASE
20230720 - Arctic Lightning Air Show media release

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Media Advisory
Media wishing to cover the Arctic Lightning Airshow must coordinate with the 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs office for a media escort. The 354th Fighter Wing commander, Airshow Boss and representatives from the aerial demonstration teams are scheduled to be available for interviews.

Members of the media are required to RSVP with the 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs office at 907-377-2116; email: 354fw.pa.publicaffairs@us.af.mil.
What to bring
***Visitors should be prepared for the weather of the day and exciting loud aircraft maneuvers by bringing hearing protection.***

Tips:
- Sunscreen
- Reusable water bottle (empty for security line, free water stations will be available)
- Hearing protection (especially for children)
- Lightweight stroller for children and/or wagon (subject to search)
- Cash for booths selling food, beverages and souvenirs
What not to bring
***Due to security reason, trailers (fifth-wheels, camping trailers, boat trailers, etc.) and RVs are not permitted ***

Prohibited Items (Not Allowed In Spectator Area)
- Guns, knives of all sizes, batons, pepper spray, stun guns, martial arts weapons
- Umbrellas/shade tents
- Coolers
- Drones (not allowed on military installations)
- Laser pointers
- Pets (Service Animals are permitted with paperwork)
- Alcohol and drugs (Including Marijuana)
- Food (baby/kids food & drinks are permitted)
- Beverages in glass containers
- BBQs
- Other items considered to be unsafe or unnecessary in a densely populated areas such as sporting equipment, skateboards, bikes, roller blades, frisbees, kites, etc.
Permitted Items (Are allowed, but will be searched)
- Wheel chairs, strollers,
- Wagons for carrying children
- Chairs
- Cameras
Parking
As directed by base personnel. Americans with Disabilities Act services and limited shuttles will be available.
Force Support Sq / Sponsors
For Force Support Squadron or Sponsor Information visit: https://eielsonforcesupport.com/festivals/airshow

Apollo 9 astronaut Russell “Rusty” L. Schweickart on the Moon, intelligence and humanity’s relationship with machines

102nd Intelligence Wing

Video by Tech. Sgt. Thomas Swanson

June 14, 2019 | 10:00

On the 50th anniversary of NASA’s Apollo program to reach the Moon, Apollo 9 astronaut Russell “Rusty” L. Schweickart spoke about his extraterrestrial experience, intelligence and humanity’s relationship with machines. His speech was delivered during a dedication ceremony for a North American F-86H Sabre static display at Otis Air National Guard Base, Mass. on June 8, 2019.

Schweickart flew the F-86H Sabre during the early 1960’s while assigned to the 101st Tactical Fighter Squadron. The event on base was held to formally announce the dedication of tail number 31235 in his honor.

Following his service with the Massachusetts Air National Guard, Schweickart joined NASA as one of 14 astronauts named in October 1963. He served as lunar module pilot for Apollo 9 from March 3-13, 1969, logging 241 hours in space. This was the third manned flight of the Apollo program and the first manned flight of the lunar module. During a 46 minute spacewalk, Schweickart tested the new Apollo space suit and portable life support backpack which were subsequently used on lunar surface explorations. On the mission with Schweickart were commander James A. McDivitt and command module pilot David R. Scott.

Video b-roll illustration includes images from Apollo 8, 9 and 11. Audio transmissions are from Apollo 9. More

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Apollo 9 astronaut Russell “Rusty” L. Schweickart on the Moon, intelligence and humanity’s relationship with machines

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Family Matters

This event is FREE and OPEN to the public!
We are happy to announce a traditional airshow will be happening! More details to come!
Ear protection is highly encouraged, especially for children.
We will have food vendors!
Don't forget to hydrate and bring sunscreen!

STAY TUNED FOR MORE INFORMATION AND UPDATES!

Check out the Arctic Lightning Airshow Facebook Page!

Check out these media links from past shows:

Fairbanks Daily Newsminer: "Into the Wild Blue Yonder"
KFBX970 Podcast: Eielson Air Force Arctic Lightning Air Show
KFAR 97.5: 354th FW Vice Commander talks Arctic Lightning Airshow
Explore Fairbanks: Arctic Lightning Airshow
KUAC: Eielson Airshow gives first chance to see F-35
KTVF11: Fighter Jets perform for first time in 11 years

Contact Us:

Aerial Acts and Static Displays

For any performers interested in participating in Arctic Lightning Airshow as an aerial act or static display, please contact us at 354fw.pa.publicaffairs@us.af.mil.

***The 2023 Arctic Lightning Airshow is an Air Force Open House being conducted in accordance with AFMAN 10-1004. Reference to any non-federal entity is not intended as a Federal endorsement.***

U.S. SOCOM Para-Commandos

Ace Maker T-33

AH-64 Apache

F-16 PACAF Viper Demo team

18th Aggressor Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon

KC-135 Stratotanker

F-35A Lightning II

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