PRESS RELEASE
Naval Air Station Wildwood (NASW) Aviation Museum’s AirFest returns with a new format in 2024, which will take place Thursday August 29 through Sunday September 1, 2024, 10am-4pm. The museum, which is located inside a 92,000 square foot WWII-era wooden hangar, is thrilled to invite families, aviation enthusiasts, and history buffs to a four-day extravaganza filled with captivating displays, historical aircraft, exciting flyovers and fly ins, live performances, food trucks, vendors, exhibitors, and much more.
AirFest 2024 is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see some of the aircraft that won World War II. This year all of the visiting aircraft are new, including the Supermarine Spitfire MK IXE, P-51D Mustang “Double Trouble Two”, SNJ Advanced Trainer, and the Berlin Airlift Historical Foundation’s C-54 “Spirit of Freedom”.
The Supermarine Spitfire, a British single-seat fighter, is renowned for its pivotal role in the Battle of Britain and symbolizes the relentless spirit of Allied World War II aviation. The P-51D Mustang, dubbed “Double Trouble Two,” is celebrated for its dominance in the skies during World War II, providing crucial long-range support for Allied bombers. With its sleek design and formidable firepower, this aircraft remains a testament to American ingenuity and air superiority. The C-54 “Spirit of Freedom,” a vital airlift workhorse during the Berlin Airlift, represents the enduring spirit of resilience and hope. This historic aircraft continues to educate and inspire, serving as a flying museum dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Cold War era. The public will have the opportunity to tour the “Spirit of Freedom” at AirFest 2024.
As part of the festivities, there will be a spectacular flyover by the 177th Fighter Wing involving FOUR F-16s on August 30. A thrilling fly-in of historic aircraft by the Aero Club of PA and local chapters of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) will occur on August 31. Smokey Bear will make a special appearance on September 1 and be available to meet guests. The chance to tour helicopters and meet pilots and crew from the Marine Corps, United States Navy, and United States Coast Guard will be open to visitors throughout the four-day event. Additional aircraft and participating agencies will include the New Jersey State Police, AtlantiCare MedEvac, Cape May County Mosquito Commission, & SNJ Advanced Trainer!
Admission to AirFest is $18 for adults and $14 for children ages 3-12, and benefits the restoration of Hangar #1. Members, children under age 3, and active-duty military personnel, enjoy free admission. Each day of AirFest has a different offering of entertainment. Museum memberships are a cost effective option for families wishing to attend AirFest multiple days.
Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum is located inside historic Hangar #1 at the Cape May Airport. The site was formerly Naval Air Station Wildwood, which served as a World War II dive-bomber training center. The museum is dedicated to the 42 aviators who perished while training at Naval Air Station Wildwood between 1943 and 1945. Current museum hours are 10am-4pm daily. More information about visiting the museum can be found on their website.
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Angela Decker, from McPherson, Kansas, discovered her passion for aviation after earning a Master’s in Military History from Norwich University in 2011. Since 2012, she has volunteered with vintage aviation groups, excelling as a social media content creator and coordinator. Angela has coordinated aviation and WWII events, appeared as Rosie the Riveter, and is restoring a Stearman aircraft. She is the Operations Logistics Coordinator at CAF Airbase Georgia and an accountant with a degree in Economics from the University of Georgia. Her son, Caden, shares her love for aviation and history and is studying Digital Media Arts.
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