Blue Angels to return for the Great State of Maine Air Show. Here’s what to expect.
BRUNSWICK — After a five-year absence, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels are returning to Maine skies, and officials say this year's Great State of Maine Air Show will be unlike anything the state has seen before.
The prestigious flight demonstration team will perform at Brunswick Executive Airport on July 11 and 12, bringing its signature precision flying routines to Maine for the first time since 2021. The timing couldn't be better, organizers say — the appearance coincides with both America's 250th anniversary and the Blue Angels' 80th anniversary.
"This year marks the celebration of America's 250th anniversary, and we're so proud that we get to bring the Blue Angels back to Maine for their first appearance in five years," said Mary Breen, the Air Show Network's director of public relations and marketing. "Not only is it America's 250th anniversary, but it is also the Blue Angel's 80th anniversary, and we also have the first appearance by the Royal Air Force Red Arrows."
The Red Arrows, Britain's renowned aerobatic team, will make their Maine debut as part of their ongoing U.S. tour. Also new to the state this year: the U.S. Air Force F-35 Demonstration Team, which will showcase the capabilities of America's newest fighter jet.
Breen described the Blue Angels performance as an experience that must be witnessed firsthand.
"Every aspect of it — from their ground show when you hear the announcer take the microphone, to watching the ground crew helping the pilots get into their jets and directing them to taxi down the runway, watching the jets take off, and all of the maneuvers they do in the show — from start to finish, it's just world-class professionalism," she said. "It's something that you're going to walk away from being inspired."
The Navy and Marine Corps pilots will fly F/A-18 Super Hornets during their routines.
For those seeking variety, the Virginia-based Warbird Thunder team offers a throwback experience. Led by pilot Chris Thomas, the crew flies SNJ aircraft — training planes from the eras of World War II and the Korean War. Their 12-and-a-half-minute show features loops, rolls, and even the formation of a heart in the sky.
"It's big noise, big smoke and big planes," Thomas said.
Brunswick marks one of Warbird Thunder's 20 stops across the country this season. After their performance, Thomas and his team plan to meet with fans in the crowd.
Meanwhile, the locally-rooted Vacationland Jumps team from Waterville will make its second appearance at the Great State of Maine Air Show. The nine-person skydiving squad, managed by Amanda Dean, travels nationwide performing shows with American flags, smoke and streamers.
"We want people to enjoy it, and we want people to say, 'Hey, I could do that,'" Dean said.
With thousands of practice hours among them, the team prioritizes safety while aiming to inspire future daredevils.
"Being part of that whole atmosphere, it's very electric," Dean added.
Massachusetts pilot Mike Goulian brings his own brand of excitement to the show. Flying an Extra 330SC aircraft at speeds up to 280 miles per hour and completing one and a half rolls per second, Goulian has competed on the world stage, winning two U.S. National Aerobatic Championship titles and placing several times in Red Bull Air Race World Championships.
"I was flying in an airplane by myself before I was legally able to drive a car by myself," Goulian said. "My mother still trusts me in a plane, but not in a car."
Despite hailing from Plymouth, Massachusetts, Goulian considers Maine performances special.
"For me, Maine is pretty special," he said. "It's a very small, nimble, single-seat airplane, which pulls plus and minus 10 Gs. It's sort of a rock 'n' roll performance in the sky."
Beyond the aerial performances, attendees can get an up-close look at military aircraft parked on the runway, including a massive Air Force C-5M Super Galaxy transport plane.
The show takes place at 15 Terminal Road in Brunswick. Gates open at 9 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday. Organizers recommend arriving early to navigate traffic and secure viewing positions.
Tickets start at $65 for a one-day adult pass and are available online. Officials expect the event to sell out, and no day-of tickets will be offered.
For more information, visit GreatStateofMaineAirShow.com.
