Fly High Aviation Media is proud to present our opening coverage of the NAS Oceana Air Show 2025, held in celebration of America’s Navy 250, which took place at NAS Oceana Virginia Beach VA on 19th to 21st Sept 2025. This milestone year brought a heightened sense of heritage and purpose to Oceana, the East Coast’s master jet base and home to generations of naval aviators who have shaped American air power.

The 2025 show honored two and a half centuries of naval service, innovation, and sacrifice. From the earliest days of sail to the cutting‑edge strike fighter operations carried out at Oceana today, the event served as a living tribute to the men and women who have defined the Navy’s legacy. Across the ramp and throughout the flying schedule, that history was reflected in every demonstration, every crew interaction, and every aircraft that took to the sky.

Fly High Aviation Media extends our appreciation to the NAS Oceana Public Affairs Office, the organizers, and the Navy personnel whose professionalism and coordination made this anniversary show exceptional.

Harry Morrow, FHAM.

Photography By: Harry Morrow.

FULL REPORT BELOW

To begin our coverage of the NAS Oceana Air Show 2025 – America’s Navy 250, Fly High Aviation Media is pleased to present a short highlights video below, featuring many of the aircraft seen across the two days we attended the event, Friday 19th and Saturday 20th September. This 1:48 compilation captures the energy, precision, and atmosphere of the anniversary show, offering a dynamic overview before you explore our full written report and photo galleries below. Click the image below.

#02 – SKYDIVE SUFFOLK

Skydive Suffolk opened the 2025 NAS Oceana flying displays with a fast, precise descent under their small sport canopies, dropping from a Shorts 330 to kick off the day’s aerial action.

#03 – Static DISPLAY #1

The static display at the 2025 NAS Oceana Air Show showcased an impressive lineup of heavy military aircraft, including a P 3 Orion from NAS Patuxent River and a MH 53, both drawing strong interest across the ramp. Oceana also featured several colorful home based aircraft, with VFC 12 displaying their striking all black Russian style scheme, while VFA 32 “Fighting Swordsmen” stood out with their eye catching tail design featuring the USA flag, adding a bold patriotic touch to the static lineup.

#04- SKYDIVE SUFFORLK 2nd JUMP WITH NATIONAL ATHEM

Skydive Suffolk returned later in the programme with a second drop, delivering multiple parachutists under their canopies, each carrying various flags including the Stars & Stripes. The team stepped in for the SkyGoats, who were unavailable despite being listed on the schedule, and took on the honour of opening the show with the National Anthem, providing a fitting start to the 2025 NAS Oceana flying displays.

#05 – SHOWGROUND & EXIBITS

Walking around the showground at the 2025 NAS Oceana Air Show revealed a wide variety of stands, merchandise booths, food vendors, and information tents, creating a lively atmosphere for visitors throughout the weekend. Alongside the traditional displays, Oceana offered several unique attractions for the public to enjoy, including “Gemma,” the base electric car from VFA 106 Gladiators, the world’s largest rubber duck, a State Trooper Mustang, a jet powered trash truck, and many more eye catching features that added character and fun across the event grounds.

#06 – Static DISPLAY #2

A second static display collection at the 2025 NAS Oceana Air Show featured a collection of civilian and civilian registered former military aircraft, offering a different perspective from the heavy military lineup in a previous section. This section included warbirds, police and State Trooper aircraft, and several unique civilian platforms now supporting specialized roles.

One of the standout aircraft was an impressive Gulfstream G IVSP, based at Newport News, VA, operating as an electronic warfare platform known as “Raven.” This highly modified aircraft supports both civil and defense missions, providing advanced training and electronic threat simulation—an unexpected and eye catching addition to Oceana’s diverse static offerings.

#07 – USCG SEARCH & RESCUE DEMO

The U.S. Coast Guard delivered a standout Search & Rescue (SAR) demonstration at the 2025 NAS Oceana Air Show, showcasing the coordination and capability that define their operational mission. The display combined the reach and presence of a HC 130 Hercules with the precision and close in rescue performance of an MH 60 Jayhawk, giving spectators an excellent look at how air assets work together during real world emergencies.

The HC 130 set the stage with wide area search patterns and low passes, illustrating its role in long range maritime patrol and command and control support. Moments later, the MH 60 moved into position, demonstrating hover work, rescue swimmer deployment, and recovery techniques with the accuracy and discipline Coast Guard crews are known for. The teamwork between the two platforms highlighted the service’s ability to respond rapidly across vast distances, whether supporting coastal communities or conducting offshore rescue operations.

#08 – REDLINE AIRSHOWS

Redline Airshows delivered one of the most energetic and tightly choreographed civilian performances of the 2025 NAS Oceana Air Show. Flying their signature aerobatic routine, the team showcased crisp formation work, opposing passes, and precision manoeuvres that kept the crowd fully engaged throughout their display. Their combination of smoke, symmetry, and close in aerobatics provided a dynamic contrast to the heavy military demonstrations, highlighting the skill and discipline required in high performance civilian aerobatic flying.

Redline’s routine added a welcome burst of pace to the flying schedule, demonstrating why they remain a popular and reliable act across the U.S. airshow circuit.

#09 – USMC F-35C DEMO TEAM

USMC F 35C Demo – The Marine Corps’ carrier variant Lightning II delivered a commanding performance at the 2025 NAS Oceana Air Show, pushing into the sky with a hard charging afterburner climb before settling into smooth, high alpha passes that showed off its precision handling. The broad winged F 35C carved tight turns across the showline, hanging in the light with clean control and unmistakable carrier presence. A modern naval highlight of the weekend, and a visually striking moment for photographers capturing the Lightning II at full capability.

#10 – FA-18F & F-35C’s

US Navy F 18F & USMC F 35C – A clean, tight series of formation passes over Oceana, pairing the Super Hornet’s classic fleet presence with the F 35C’s modern fifth gen profile. A sharp, crowd pleasing moment as both jets swept the showline in perfect alignment at NAS Oceana 2025.

#11 – FA-18F RHINO DEMO TEAM

US Navy F 18F Rhino Demo Team – A hard hitting display at NAS Oceana 2025, with the Super Hornet pushing through high energy turns, crisp vertical climbs, and trademark afterburner passes that showed off the Rhino’s raw carrier power. A crowd shaking performance from one of the Navy’s most capable fleet fighters.

#12 – HISTORIC WARBIRDS

Historic aviation was well represented at the 2025 NAS Oceana Air Show thanks to the Military Aviation Museum, based in the Pungo district of Virginia Beach. The museum sent several of their iconic warbirds to join the weekend’s flying and static displays, adding a welcome touch of WWII heritage to Oceana’s modern naval lineup.

Although multiple aircraft were present, Fly High Aviation Media captured two of the standout machines on Saturday the 20th: the Douglas AD 4 Skyraider, a towering single engine attack aircraft known for its rugged Vietnam era service, and the Goodyear FG 1D Corsair, instantly recognizable with its gull wing profile and deep blue Navy markings. Both aircraft brought a strong historical presence to the ramp, offering spectators a close look at two of the most respected piston powered warriors of their time.

#13 – SAM TRYGGVASON – WING WALKING

Sam Tryggvason brought a classic touch of barnstorming heritage to the 2025 NAS Oceana Air Show with a confident and visually striking wing walking performance. Riding atop the aircraft in full harness, Tryggvason showcased the timeless thrill of open air aviation, balancing against the slipstream as the aircraft carved smooth passes along the showline. The routine blended vintage showmanship with modern safety and precision, offering spectators a rare look at one of aviation’s most iconic aerial acts. A standout civilian highlight that added character, nostalgia, and pure spectacle to the Oceana weekend.

#14 – FLEET FLY BY & AIR POWER DEMO

The Fleet Fly By and Air Power Demo at NAS Oceana 2025 delivered a crisp, coordinated showcase of U.S. Navy strike fighter strength. Elements of F 18E/F Super Hornets swept across the field in disciplined formations, each pass highlighting the precision and teamwork that define modern carrier aviation. The segment moved quickly, offering spectators a clean look at how the fleet operates as a unified force—tight sections, smooth alignment, and unmistakable naval presence. For Fly High Aviation Media, it was a standout moment of the weekend, capturing the rhythm, readiness, and professionalism of today’s Navy air power.

#15 – AARRON DELIU

outine in the Extra 330SC. His display was fast, aggressive, and precision driven from the opening pull, snapping into tight gyros, rapid fire rolls, and towering vertical climbs that showed exactly why he’s one of the most decorated aerobatic pilots performing today. The Extra 330SC seemed to pivot around its own axis as Deliu pushed through extreme G loads and crisp transitions, keeping the crowd locked in from start to finish. For Fly High Aviation Media, his performance stood out as the civilian highlight of the weekend—an explosive, competition level aerobatic routine that brought world class skill to Oceana’s modern naval stage.

#16 – GREG COLYNER T-33 “ACE MAKER III”

Classic jet specialist Greg Colyer returned to NAS Oceana with his beautifully maintained T 33 Shooting Star, Ace Maker III, delivering one of the most elegant heritage jet displays of the weekend. Colyer’s routine showcased the early jet age trainer in its best light—smooth, sweeping passes, wide arcing turns, and the unmistakable silver and yellow profile gliding effortlessly along the showline. The T 33’s performance wasn’t about raw power; it was about precision, nostalgia, and the refined handling of a historic aircraft flown by a pilot who knows it intimately. Colyer kept the pace steady and graceful, giving spectators a clear look at the jet that trained generations of Cold War aviators. For Fly High Aviation Media, Ace Maker III added a welcome historical dimension to Oceana 2025, bridging the gap between classic jet heritage and the modern Navy fleet on display.

#17 – KEVIN COLEMAN – REDBULL

Kevin Coleman – Red Bull Aerobatics: Delivering a refined, high precision routine at NAS Oceana 2025, Coleman showcased competition grade control in the Extra with crisp rolls, disciplined vertical work, and smooth energy management that reflected his signature Red Bull professionalism.

#18 – BLUE ANGEL’s “FAT ALBERT” C-130J

Blue Angels C 130J “Fat Albert” – NAS Oceana 2025: Fat Albert opened the Blue Angels’ segment with a sharp, well paced demonstration of the C 130J’s power and agility. The crew showcased the aircraft’s short field performance, tight turns, and smooth showline handling, providing a polished look at the support platform that keeps the team moving between airshows.

#19 – WARBIRD THUNDER

Warbird Thunder brought a clean, formation driven heritage segment to NAS Oceana 2025, flying a pair of meticulously restored WWII aircraft in a disciplined two ship throughout nearly the entire routine. The team held a steady parade formation on each pass, giving spectators a clear, uninterrupted look at the classic lines, broad wings, and prop driven character of these historic airframes. Their tight spacing and smooth coordination highlighted the precision required to present vintage aircraft safely and professionally in a modern airshow environment.

The display emphasized stability and teamwork over aerobatics, with both aircraft locked together through extended straight and level passes, gentle turns, and formation rejoins. This approach allowed the crowd to appreciate the aircraft as they were originally flown—working in pairs, maintaining position, and showcasing the aerodynamic qualities that defined early combat aviation. For Fly High Aviation Media, Warbird Thunder’s two ship presentation added a strong historical contrast to Oceana’s fast paced jet demonstrations, underscoring the enduring legacy of America’s wartime airpower.

#20 – F-22 RAPTOR DEMO TEAM

The F 22 Raptor Demo Team delivered one of the most commanding performances of NAS Oceana 2025, showcasing the Air Force’s premier fifth generation fighter in a tight, high energy routine. The Raptor moved through the sequence with trademark authority—high alpha passes, rapid pitch changes, and controlled power climbs that highlighted the aircraft’s thrust vectoring capability and extreme agility. Each maneuver demonstrated the Raptor’s ability to transition instantly between slow speed nose authority and blistering acceleration, giving spectators a rare look at the full envelope of modern air dominance.

Throughout the display, the F 22 maintained a crisp, disciplined presentation, with smooth repositioning and precise showline control that underscored the professionalism of the demo team. The routine balanced raw power with technical finesse, allowing the crowd to appreciate both the aircraft’s aerodynamic sophistication and its operational relevance. For Fly High Aviation Media, the Raptor’s performance stood out as a defining moment of the weekend—an unmistakable reminder of the capability and presence behind America’s air superiority mission.

#21 – MIKE GOULIAN

Michael Goulian – Aerobatic Display: Goulian delivered a sharp, high precision routine at NAS Oceana 2025, blending disciplined energy management with the polished, competition grade aerobatics that have defined his long standing presence on the U.S. airshow circuit.

#22 – SMOKE N THUNDER JET TRUCK

The Smoke ‘n Thunder Jet Truck delivered one of the most crowd energizing moments of NAS Oceana 2025, bringing raw jet powered spectacle to the showline. The truck’s afterburners lit up the field with a wall of heat and smoke as it accelerated down the runway, showcasing the extreme thrust and rapid straight line performance that define this unique airshow act. Its passes were loud, fast, and visually striking—an unmistakable contrast to the precision driven aerial demonstrations throughout the day.

A highlight of the segment came when the Jet Truck lined up against Aarron Deliu’s Extra 330SC for a classic air versus ground race. Deliu launched into a steep, high energy climb while the Jet Truck surged forward under full burner, creating a dynamic, high impact moment that blended unlimited aerobatics with jet powered ground speed. The matchup added a fun, competitive edge to the performance and stood out as one of the most memorable civilian highlights of the weekend.

#23 – USN BLUE ANGEL’s PRE-SHOW

The Blue Angels’ pre show sequence at NAS Oceana 2025 offered spectators a close look at the precision and discipline that underpin every performance. Before the jets ever took to the air, the ground crew executed a tightly choreographed launch routine—crisp salutes, synchronized movements, and coordinated checks that reflected the team’s high standards of professionalism. From engine starts to taxi out, each step was performed with deliberate timing, giving the crowd a clear sense of the teamwork required to prepare six F/A 18 Super Hornets for flight.

As the aircraft rolled to the hold line, the crew maintained their polished cadence, guiding the formation with practiced efficiency and unmistakable pride. The pre show segment set the tone for the main demonstration, highlighting the operational rhythm behind the Blue Angels’ aerial precision. For Fly High Aviation Media, this ground based portion remains an essential part of the story—showcasing the people, procedures, and discipline that make the team’s airborne performance possible.

#24 – US NAVY 2025 BLUE ANGEL’s

The 2025 NAS Oceana Air Show proudly welcomed the United States Navy Blue Angels, showcasing the Navy’s premier flight demonstration team before a capacity crowd at the East Coast’s master jet base. Their arrival marked one of the most anticipated moments of the weekend, with the team bringing its trademark precision, discipline, and unmistakable formation flying to Oceana’s historic runway.

From the pre show ground sequence to the launch of the six F/A 18 Super Hornets, the Blue Angels delivered a polished, high impact performance that highlighted the skill, teamwork, and professionalism at the core of naval aviation. Their appearance served as the headline act of the 2025 event, reinforcing Oceana’s long standing role in celebrating the heritage and capability of America’s Navy.

2025 NAS Oceana Air Show – Closing Summary

The 2025 NAS Oceana Air Show concluded with the same energy and precision that defined the entire weekend. Across two days, the event showcased a balanced mix of modern naval aviation, heritage warbirds, and top tier civilian performers, each contributing to a well paced and engaging program. From the Navy’s frontline fighters to the polished aerobatic routines and heritage displays, Oceana once again demonstrated why it remains one of the premier airshows on the East Coast.

As the final aircraft shut down and the crowds made their way off the ramp, the sense of pride and professionalism across the base was unmistakable. The Blue Angels headlined a strong lineup, supported by standout demonstrations from the F 22 Raptor, Rhino Demo Team, and a diverse range of civilian acts. For Fly High Aviation Media, the 2025 edition delivered a comprehensive and memorable look at naval aviation’s past, present, and future—an event that continues to honor tradition while celebrating capability and innovation.

Thank you for visiting Fly High Aviation Media. We hope you enjoyed this page and the many others across our site. New updates, reports, and historical additions are posted frequently, so keep checking back to follow our latest coverage. You can also follow us on our social media platforms below to stay informed about new updates, additions, and upcoming features.

Until next time

Harry D. Morrow, Editor & Owner

Oliver Bowser-Smyth, Editorial Contributor

Fly High Aviation Media.

We hope you enjoyed this page, please see our links above for many more events and reports. Click the button below to return to the top of the page.