The countdown is on—just over a month remains until the 2025 edition of the Geneseo Airshow (July 12/13), proudly known as the “Greatest Show on Turf.” This year, the National Warplane Museum will commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan (VJ) Day by focusing on the famous battles of the Pacific Theater during World War II. A spectacular lineup of historic warbirds and top-tier performers has been finalized, promising an unforgettable weekend at Geneseo Airport (D52). Tickets are available HERE.
Thunder in the Skies: Military Jet Demonstrations
The 2025 Geneseo Airshow will feature not one, but two military jet demonstration teams—marking a major milestone for the event. Headlining the show is the United States Air Force F-35 Lightning II Demo Team, with Major Melanie “Mach” Kluesner showcasing the next-generation fighter’s agility and raw power. She’ll also participate in the USAF Heritage Flight, flying in formation with the P-51 Mustang Bald Eagle, piloted by renowned warbird pilot Jim Beasley. Adding even more firepower to the weekend, the U.S. Navy’s VFA-106 “Gladiators” Rhino Demonstration Team will perform in their F/A-18F Super Hornet. This marks the first F/A-18 to appear over Geneseo since 2003, and the first time since the early 1990s that the airshow will host two jet demo teams—a historic first for many attendees.
A Salute to Pearl Harbor: Tora! Tora! Tora!
In keeping with this year’s VJ Day theme, the iconic Tora! Tora! Tora! performance will bring history to life with a reenactment of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Featuring replica Japanese aircraft, pyrotechnics, and narration, the show delivers a powerful lesson to younger generations about the war’s beginning in the Pacific. This act returns to Geneseo for the first time since the early 1990s and is certain to be a show highlight.
Mustangs in Formation
The legendary P-51 Mustang will take center stage in two thrilling acts. Returning favorite Scott “Scooter” Yoak will fly his polished P-51D Quicksilver, while the Jack Aces—Louis Horschel in TF-51D Mad Max, Ariel Luedi flying TF-51D Little Witch, and Marco Rusconi at the controls of P-51D Cheryl Lynn—will perform a breathtaking three-ship Mustang routine. Their precision flying and powerful displays will celebrate the fighter’s legacy and inspire the next generation of warbird pilots.
Honoring the Doolittle Raiders
The daring Doolittle Raid over Tokyo in April 1942 will be honored with a special B-25 Mitchell formation featuring four aircraft: Champaign Gal (Serial No. 44-28866) from the Champaign Aviation Museum in Urbana, Ohio; Georgie’s Gal (S/N 44-86777) from the Liberty Aviation Museum in Port Clinton, Ohio; Panchito (S/N 44-30734) from the Delaware Aviation Museum in Georgetown, Delaware; and Take-Off Time (S/N 44-30832), owned by Tom Duffy and based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. These historic bombers will help tell the story of this pivotal mission, which lifted American morale and changed the course of the Pacific war.
Flying the Hump: C-47s Over the Himalayas
The airshow will also commemorate the treacherous “Hump” airlift between India and China. Several Douglas C-47 variants are scheduled to appear, including Whiskey 7 (S/N 43-30652), the pride of the National Warplane Museum in Geneseo, New York; Placid Lassie (S/N 42-24064) from the Tunison Foundation in Wappingers Falls, New York; and Beach City Baby (S/N 41-20095), a rare C-53-DO Skytrooper operated by Vintage Wings Inc. in Franklin, Pennsylvania. These aircraft symbolize the logistical lifeline that sustained Allied forces across one of the most dangerous aerial supply routes of the war.
Final Tribute: VJ Day Flyover of Tokyo Bay
The show’s finale will recreate the powerful flyover of Tokyo Bay on September 2, 1945, when Allied aircraft roared overhead as Japanese officials signed the Instrument of Surrender aboard the USS Missouri. The Geneseo team has planned an ambitious tribute flight that echoes that historic display of air power. The formation will include the P-51D Kwitcherbitchin (S/N 44-63476), owned by Tom Duffy of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; three FG-1D Corsairs—Bureau Numbers 92468 from CAF Airbase Georgia in Peachtree City, GA, 88090 owned by Louis Horschel of Dunkirk, NY, and 92471, also from Tom Duffy’s collection; a TBM-3E Avenger (B/N 91521) from Vintage Flying Wings; an FM-2 Wildcat (B/N 74560), to be flown by Thom Richard; and the SB2C-5 Helldiver (B/N 83589) from the CAF West Texas Wing. This dramatic flyover will honor the Allied victory and serve as a moving tribute to those who served in the Pacific Theater.
Show Details
The 2025 Geneseo Airshow takes place July 12–13, with a special members-only arrival day on July 11. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or a first-time visitor, don’t miss the opportunity to experience why Geneseo is truly the “Greatest Show on Turf.” To purchase tickets, click https://nationalwarplanemuseum.com/airshow/HERE. _ For more information about the airshow, visit www.nationalwarplanemuseum.com.
