By Mike Finney

DOVER — Air shows are not only a great way for the public to spend a day watching daring pilots pull off acrobatic maneuvers. They also are fulfilling experiences for airmen stationed at Dover Air Force Base to show off what they do.

Capt. Tom Jacobs has been busy for the past year or so organizing the 2024 First State Airshow and Open House, which will be flying into Dover Air Force Base on May 18-19.

The First State Airshow will be headlined by the U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team and the U.S. Army Parachute Team, the Golden Knights.

There will also be daily demonstrations of the mammoth C-5M Super Galaxy and C-17A Globemaster III cargo aircraft that call Dover Air Force Base home.

Admission and parking for The First State Airshow are free and the event is open to the public. Food and beverages will be available for purchase during the open house.

Capt. Jacobs, the 2024 First State Airshow deputy director, said putting the show together has been an honor as the public will get a rare chance to enter the gates at the base and see some of what takes place.

“All military members take pride in serving their country and what better way to showcase our pride and professionalism than by connecting our community to the airmen, aircraft and technology that execute our mission 24/7 across the globe,” Capt. Jacobs said.

For the airmen, Capt. Jacobs said volunteering their time to show the attendees what they do is something they take pride in.

“Hundreds of active duty and reserve airmen from Dover Air Force Base have volunteered their time to help plan and execute the First State Airshow,” he said. “All the time and effort put in to creating this airshow was done in addition to their normal duties, which puts into perspective their dedication to provide the Delmarva region with an outstanding showcase of military airpower and technology.”

Additional aerial acts and static displays will be announced in the coming days.

“I’m incredibly excited to open our doors to the community during the 2024 First State Airshow and Open House as a way of saying ‘Thank you’ for their tremendous support,” said Col. Chris McDonald, 436th Airlift Wing commander. “The First State Airshow is our opportunity to bring the entire Team Dover family together for an unforgettable weekend.

“Our airmen take a lot of pride in what they do and they are honored to give the public a chance to get a look into what they do for our country.”

When the first plane takes to the sky and the public begins to tour the airplanes at the First State Airshow, it will probably be Capt. Jacobs who will be the most relieved.

“We have spent nearly a year planning this event, coordinating with hundreds of potential performers and industry professionals to curate a world-class celebration of airpower that will inspire the next generation of STEM and military leaders,” he said.

Capt. Jacobs said the airshow will be one to remember for aviation lovers as the base will celebrate the 75th anniversary of the end of the Berlin Airlift and the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

“We are proud to feature a C-54 Skymaster, hero of the Berlin Airlift, as well as World War II Warbirds like the B-25 Mitchell, P-40 Warhawk, and one of just two airworthy B-29 Superfortress Bombers,” he said. “The First State Airshow is headlined by U.S. Air Force Heritage Flight comprised of an F-35A Lightning II and P-51 Mustang and the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team."

One thing the airmen will have in common with many of the wide-eyed children who will examine their aircraft for the first time is an instant curiosity and attraction to flight.

Many of those stationed at the air base discovered their love for flying at an airshow.

“For me and many aircrew members at Dover Air Force Base, the spark for aviation was ignited at an airshow,” Capt. Jacobs said. “Seeing excitement and joy on the faces of kids witnessing the magic of an airshow for the first time will undoubtedly be the highlight for our team.”

For the latest information on the 2024 First State Airshow and Open House, follow Dover Air Force Base on Facebook or @doverairforcebase on Instagram or visit www.dover.af.mil/First-State-Airshow-2024.

Staff writer Mike Finney can be reached at 302-741-8230 or mfinney@iniusa.org.
Follow @MikeFinneyDSN on X.