TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Tyndall AFB will host the 2017 Gulf Coast Salute air show scheduled for April 22 through 23.
The Gulf Coast Salute is the Air Force’s largest air show of 2017 in Northwest Florida and will also be Air Combat Command's flagship event in celebration of Air Force’s 70th year.
“We are excited to showcase everything the Air Force has to offer, and the weekend will be full of fun and entertaining performances,” said Maj. Jesus Figueroa, air show director for the 2017 Gulf Coast Salute.
Figueroa said the base is expecting numerous civilian aerobatic acts, historic warbirds on display and plenty of current military aircraft on the ground for the public to experience. The event is free and open to the public.
The Air Force Thunderbirds will headline the event, taking to the skies each day of the show. Those in attendance will also be able to see the F-22 Raptor up close, as well as watch it in flight.
The air show will provide an opportunity for Airmen stationed at Tyndall AFB to showcase the Air Force's mission at Tyndall to friends, neighbors and family.
“The Gulf Coast Salute is a gesture of goodwill to Bay County and the surrounding area,” Figueroa said. "The air show helps build relationships between the base and the community, and also educates the public about the Air Force. It allows us to say thank you for the support we receive year-round.”
Other confirmed acts include the Tora Group, the Ace Maker T-33, the iconic Red Tail P-51C Mustang and many others. Those in attendance can expect a full array is historic aircraft, from the Air Force’s fledgling days in World War II to today’s most advanced fighters.
Event officials said they anticipate 150,000 people at the event, which is hosted every two to three years. Tyndall AFB hosted the last Gulf Coast Salute in 2015.
For more information about the 2017 Gulf Coast Salute at Tyndall, visit http://www.gulfcoastsalute.com.