Spectators watch the 2023 Visit Atlantic City Airshow on Wednesday, August 16, 2023. (Jim Lowney for nj.com/TNS)
(Tribune News Service) — The 20th annual “Thunder Over the Boardwalk” airshow dazzled thousands Wednesday with a full-slate of gravity-defying performances.
The Atlantic City Airshow featured service members and performers from five military branches. The U.S. Army “Golden Knights kicked off the show with a flag jump and mass exit. They were followed by military flybys and aerial demonstrations, including the Marine Corps. AV-8B Harrier II and Coast Guard MH-65E search and rescue.
The U.S Air Force Thunderbirds are known to impress during the annual show by roaring above the Jersey Shore with a combo of flying and solo routines that reach between 350 and 400 knots, or 402 mph to 460 mph.
David Schultz, president of David Schultz Airshows LLC, which handles production operations, said the event helps recruit new service members but also brings pride to attendees.
And this year’s event was expected to draw as many as 500,000 people.
“When you see the raw power and the size of some of these airplanes, it gives chills down the back of your neck and makes your hair stand up,” Schultz said.
The US Army Golden Knights perform during the 2023 Visit Atlantic City Airshow on Wednesday, August 16, 2023. (Jim Lowney for nj.com/TNS)
Aircraft from the New Jersey Air National Guard 177th Fighter Wing perform during the 2023 Visit Atlantic City Airshow on Wednesday, August 16, 2023. (Jim Lowney for nj.com/TNS)
The U.S. Army Golden Knights perform during the 2023 Visit Atlantic City Airshow on Wednesday, August 16, 2023. (Jim Lowney for nj.com/TNS)
The B-25 Take Off Time performs during the 2023 Visit Atlantic City Airshow on Wednesday, August 16, 2023. (Jim Lowney for nj.com/TNS)
James Plock of the US Civil Air Patrol salutes as the US Army Golden Knights perform during the 2023 Visit Atlantic City Airshow on Wednesday, August 16, 2023. (Jim Lowney for nj.com/TNS)
GO EZ Aerobatics perform during the 2023 Visit Atlantic City Airshow on Wednesday, August 16, 2023. (Jim Lowney for nj.com/TNS)
Spectators watch the US Coast Guard during the 2023 Visit Atlantic City Airshow on Wednesday, August 16, 2023. (Jim Lowney | For)
Show Day — titled “A Salute to Those Who Serve” featuring 45 to 50 aircraft — included flyovers from the military and civilian helicopters from the New Jersey State Police and medical helicopters from the area.
Civilian flyers included Scott Francis doing “aerobatics” and Jim Beasley Jr. in his nifty yellow P-51 Mustang completing a demonstration as well.
Airshows in New Jersey date back to 1910 when among the first in the U.S. were held in Atlantic City and Asbury Park.
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