The show was a mix of aerial demonstrations, on-the-ground static displays of aircraft and more.
On Sunday, show organizers moved the aerial performance by the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels to a slot earlier in the day, and spectators were treated to a thrilling display. On Saturday, the team’s performance was canceled due to bad weather.
But the team of F/A-18 Super Hornet jets were back the next day and did not disappoint. They wowed spectators at the show as well as people who live in surrounding communities and the St. Clair County countryside as the fighters flew overhead in tight formations and performed all kinds of amazing moves.
The best way to appreciate the Blue Angels is to actually see the performance. If you didn’t make it Sunday, watch photojournalist Jimmy Simmons’ video, posted with this piece.
We also are including an array of still photos that capture highlights of the airshow, plus a video from Saturday’s event.
Red Bull sky divers perform Saturday at the Scott Air Force Base Airshow. The airshow drew thousands of spectators and included the MiG-17 Randy Ball; P-51 Mustang, Heritage Flight, F-22 Demo; Extreme Flight Pitts S1-S; and the Navy Blue Angels. The event will continue Sunday. Jimmy Simmons For the News-Democrat
This Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor was part of the the Scott Air Force Base Airshow on Sunday, May 14, 2023. JIMMY SIMMONS For the Belleville News-Democrat
Tora! Tora! Tora! is a traveling living history lesson about the attack on the Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor. This was one of the demonstrations presented at the 2023 Scott Air Force Base Airshow on Sunday, May 14. Jimmy Jay Simmons For the Belleville News-Demcrat
Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor and P-51 Mustang were part of 2023 Scott Air Force Base Airshow. This photo was taken on Day 2 of the show on Sunday, May 14, 2023 JIMMY SIMMONS For the Belleville News-Democrat
CW2 officer Fargher talks to, from left, Julian and Roman Roulette and Soloman and Angela Kull inside the Chinook Helicopter during the Scott Air Force Base Airshow on Saturday. The airshow drew thousands of spectators and included the MiG-17 Randy Ball; P-51 Mustang, Heritage Flight, F-22 Demo; Extreme Flight Pitts S1-S; as well as the Blue Angels. The airshow will continue Sunday. Jimmy Simmons For the News-Democrat
Red Bull sky divers perform at during the Scott Air Force Base Airshow. The airshow, at SAFB for the first time since 2017, drew large crowds. Jimmy Simmons For the News-Democrat
Attendees at the Scott Air Force Base Airshow get a peek inside the Chinook Helicopter on Saturday. The airshow drew thousands of spectators and included the MiG-17 Randy Ball; P-51 Mustang, Heritage Flight, F-22 Demo; Extreme Flight Pitts S1-S; and more. The airshow continued Sunday. Among Sunday’s highlights was the Navy’s Blue Angels team, which wowed the crowd at Scott and people across surrounding communities as the fighters flew in tight formations and performed other amazing moves. Jimmy Simmons For the News-Democrat
Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor and P-51 Mustang were part of 2023 Scott Air Force Base Airshow. This photo was taken on Day 2 of the show on Sunday, May 14, 2023 JIMMY SIMMONS For the Belleville News-Democrat
A large line waits to board a C-17 Globemaster III during the Scott Air Force Base Airshow on Saturday. The airshow, at SAFB for the first time since 2017, drew large crowds. Jimmy Simmons For the News-Democrat
Pictured is a U.S. Coast Guard MH-65 helicopter during the Scott Air Force Base Airshow. The airshow, at SAFB for the first time since 2017, drew large crowds. Jimmy Simmons For the News-Democrat
Pictured is an F-18 fighter plane during the Scott Air Force Base Airshow. The airshow, at SAFB for the first time since 2017, drew large crowds. Jimmy Simmons For the News-Democrat
Pictured is a Chinook Helicopter during the Scott Air Force Base Airshow. The airshow, at SAFB for the first time since 2017, drew large crowds Saturday and Sunday. Among Sunday’s highlights was the Navy’s Blue Angels team, which wowed the crowd at Scott and people across surrounding communities as the fighters flew in tight formations and performed other amazing moves. Jimmy Simmons For the News-Democrat
