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

More
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

CAF P-51 makes end of year appearance in Iowa

185th Air Refueling Wing, Iowa Air National Guard

Video by Senior Master Sgt. Vincent De Groot

Sept. 19, 2024 | 6:57

B-roll video shows a Commemorative Air Force P-51 Mustang at a two day stop at the Sioux City, Iowa airport on September 19, 2024. The airport in Western Iowa is one of the last stops of the 2024 flying season for the aircraft and crew of the iconic World War II fighter plane dubbed, “Gunfighter”. According to their website, the Commemorative Air Fore was first organized in 1957 when they acquired a single P-51. Shortly after starting up in the 1950s, the group of veteran aviators from the CAF made it their mission to, “Save an example of every aircraft that flew during World War II.” While in Sioux City, local enthusiasts were able to purchase a ride on the CAF P-51 Mustang dubbed the “Gunfighter”. Pilots with the aircraft said money raised from giving rides goes directly to funding the maintenance and preservation of CAF aircraft. While the Mustang flew around the airport this week, area history buffs could imagine a time when the sight, and unique sound of P-51 fighters were once part of the airport atmosphere. After WWII, when the Iowa Air National Guard’s 174th Fighter Squadron was first organized at the Sioux City airport in 1946, the unit was originally equipped with P-51s. The Iowa ANG unit didn’t permanently give up flying Mustangs until turning-in their F-51’s in 1953. After a couple more appearances in Texas this October, the CAF P-51operators say the Gunfighter aircraft will be moved to Florida for more extensive maintenance before reappearing at airshows and flying events in the new year. A complete list of events featuring historic aircraft can be found on the CAF website, along with information about requesting CAF aircraft for airshows or events. Lower thirds: Pete Scholl Commemorative Air Force P-51 pilot More

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

Tags