As of this writing, the Geneseo Airfield is cold, windy, and blanketed in wet snow. Conditions are IFR, but that’s irrelevant—D52 lacks instrument approaches. From the National Warplane Museum’s administration building, the whiteout resembles a scene straight out of Hoth. The runways are barely visible, and few souls are in sight. But don’t be fooled—Geneseo is just getting warmed up.
The Greatest Show on Turf returns July 12–13, 2025, with a special theme: Fly Navy. This year, the National Warplane Museum will honor the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, highlighting the naval aircraft that played a crucial role in the Pacific Theater. Among the show’s major draws is the Tora! Tora! Tora! reenactment team, returning to Geneseo for the first time since the early 1990s. Other recent additions include Hangar 743’s TBM Avenger, Lou Horschel’s F4U Corsair, a B-25, a PBY Catalina, and several P-51 Mustangs.
This summer, the Genesee Valley will once again come alive with the sights—and especially the sounds—of historic and modern military aircraft. At the International Council of Air Shows (ICAS) convention in December, the National Warplane Museum secured a major coup: the U.S. Air Force F-35 Lightning II Demonstration Team. This marks the first time an F-35 will perform over Geneseo—and possibly over an all-turf airfield.
The F-35 seems to have drawn in even more firepower, as the East Coast Rhino Demonstration Team recently announced that an F/A-18 Super Hornet will also take part. In addition to its solo demonstration, the Super Hornet will fly alongside an F4U Corsair in a U.S. Navy Legacy Flight, bridging past and present naval aviation. The last Navy demonstration in Geneseo was in 2003, also featuring an F/A-18. Their return is eagerly awaited.
Every year, the Greatest Show on Turf delivers an airshow experience unlike any other, blending history, accessibility, and education. If you’ve never made the pilgrimage to this Western New York event, now is the time. And for those returning, the National Warplane Museum is ready to welcome you back. For more information visit www.nationalwarplanemuseum.com/airshow2024/
