Air Expo Day for Military Families: Friday, April 8 2022
Military families, Friday, the 8th of April is an Air Expo showcase specifically reserved for you. The Air Expo will be functioning just as it will be over the weekend, with all of the aerial acts (including the Blue Angels), static planes, and active pyrotechnics. The STEM hangar will be fully loaded with awesome STEM displays for the entire family. Concessions will be available. The base will NOT be open to the public, which means you can avoid the substantial amount of traffic we are expecting on Saturday and Sunday.
If you are military family (ie: you have base access as a military sponsor/family member/CAC holder) and planning to attend, we strongly suggest you attend on Friday, April 8th, 2022. Gates open at 9am (and you will be able to visit the STEM hangar but performances do not begin until 12pm).
Joint Base Charleston is really excited for our free Air Expo. It's been a few years since we've hosted this event, and we are working harder than ever to make it amazing for attendees.
If you come out on on Friday April 8th, 2022:
- You don't have to reserve a parking pass.
- You won't struggle with traffic and parking.
- With fewer crowds, you'll be able to move around/see more
- You can walk to the show if you live on base
- You won't miss out on ANY of the acts
We will keep you updated with the schedule once it becomes available. Until then, block off Friday April 8th and follow us so you don't miss a thing!
EDITED TO ADD: There have been many comments posted regarding base access. Security forces at the gate will be functioning as they do on a daily basis. This means if you have a valid, DoD-issued form of ID, you can get through the gate just as you do to visit the commissary or other facilities on base. If you do not have a valid, DoD-issued identification card, you will not have access beyond the gate. We do have a "Trusted Traveler" program, which means a driver with a valid DOD ID can sponsor passengers in a vehicle, and is responsible for them and their activities on base.
The Blue Angels
The Blue Angels represent the Navy and Marine Corps to Air Expo audiences, showcasing naval aviation with expertise and power.
F-16 Viper Demo Team
The F-16C is a compact, highly maneuverable aircraft. It was built to deliver its weapons with supreme accuracy and defend itself against enemy aircraft.
T-28
Used by both the Air Force and the Navy in the 1950s, the T-28 continues to be a terrific aerobatics performer.
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Comments 47
Larissa Lord - Marketing
on Wednesday, March 16, 2022 12:28
No, Tammy. you don't need to register for anything. Just come out on Friday and enjoy the show!
Guest - Tammy Smith
on Monday, April 04, 2022 23:41
Yes, I need to register. Who do I need to call. I have a military ID to access the base.
Larissa Lord - Marketing
on Tuesday, April 05, 2022 08:06
I'm sorry, ma'am, I don't understand. If you have a military ID to access the base on Friday, there are no registration requirements or parking passes needed. You are able to sponsor riders in your vehicle.
Guest - April Kirkland
on Thursday, March 17, 2022 12:06
Is there paid seating for the show. I’ve been to the one in Beaufort and had paid bleacher seating. Is this available for this show ?
Larissa Lord - Marketing
on Friday, March 18, 2022 09:27
Hi, April. There is no paid seating. The air show is completely free. If you would like to sit to watch the show, we recommend you bring folding camp chairs.
Guest - Joseph Lee
on Thursday, March 17, 2022 14:58
Will disabled veterans with VA card have access on 4/8? We normally have access but wasn’t sure if that counted as a valid ID
Larissa Lord - Marketing
on Friday, March 18, 2022 09:30
Hi, Joseph, please call Security Forces at the Visitor's Center to ask about base access. (Their process is a little different depending on what type of VA card you have.) 843-963-5729.
Guest - Helen Breen
on Friday, March 18, 2022 19:56
If we have a disabled VA card and are registered on base already, can we attend the air show on Thursday?
Larissa Lord - Marketing
on Monday, March 21, 2022 16:49
Good afternoon, Ms. Breen. I don't want to steer anyone with VA cards wrong, so I suggest you call Security Forces at the Visitor's Center to check how they plan to run things for Military Family Day. The number is 843-963-5729. Also, be sure to mark your calendar for Friday the 8th, not Thursday. We hope you enjoy the Expo!
Guest - Marla Stewart
on Sunday, March 20, 2022 09:07
My husband is retired Navy, disabled, and has to use a walker. We have ID cards and disabled Vet license plate. Is there handicapped parking and a place to sit down to watch the show?
Larissa Lord - Marketing
on Monday, March 21, 2022 16:43
Good afternoon, Ms. Stewart. We will have handicapped parking and accessible bathroom facilities. I will follow up with you regarding seating as soon as I hear back from the Air Expo team.
Guest - Greg
on Sunday, March 27, 2022 14:46
Will the Boeing Dreamlifter be on static display this year?
Larissa Lord - Marketing
on Monday, April 04, 2022 15:57
Yes, sir, the Dreamlifter is expected to be on display.
Guest - KARL Todd ASHWORTH
on Monday, April 04, 2022 15:36
Is there designated handicapped parking on the base for the show?
Larissa Lord - Marketing
on Monday, April 04, 2022 15:56
Yes, Mr. Ashworth, there is designated handicap parking. There also will be traffic signs directing you to that parking.
Guest - Meghan
on Tuesday, April 05, 2022 08:07
Hello, thank you for all the helpful responses so far! Is there a schedule of events for Friday?
Larissa Lord - Marketing
on Tuesday, April 05, 2022 08:13
You're welcome, Meghan. We are not releasing an official schedule of events, but Friday is supposed to run exactly like it will on Saturday. That means they are opening gates to the flightline at 9am (with food/STEM Hangar/vendors/fun), performances begin at noon, and the final act is the Blue Angels and ends ~4:30pm.