2025 Harrisburg, PA Dot Com Air Show
Story by Daniel O. Myers, Photos by Mike Colaner, Daniel O. Myers and Carl Kruse
It’s been 38 long years since the Harrisburg, Pa Air Show featured the US Navy Blue Angels and, local and regional fans gave the flying performers as well as those on the ground a warm welcome back!
All eyes and cameras were pointed skyward as the show opened to the playing of the American National Anthem and the USMA West Point, NY Black Knights jumping the American flag to show center.
After which, the crowd enjoyed watching civilian acts; Mark Meredith in the DHC-1 Super Chipmunk, Scott “Scooter” Yoak flying his “Quick Silver” P-51 Mustang and Mike Goulian performing aerobatics in his Extra 330SC. The moisture laden atmosphere offered photographers some unique shots. But the real excitement was the F-16 Demo flown by Major Taylor “FEMA” Hiester.
“FEMA” strapped the Red, White and Blue Falcon on his back and took it for a ride like no other! Taking off in full afterburner, he pulled the jet hard to the left and climbed straight up. His routine continued in-burner with a series of aggressive high-speed passes and maneuvers.
The jet’s patriotic paint scheme shown bright against the backdrop of Middletown’s green hills and blue sky with white puffy clouds. The Pennsylvania landscape is no stranger to Taylor Hiester. Taylor was born in nearby Robesonia, Pa, attended Conrad Weiser High School where he was class president before graduating from Penn State University.
“FEMA” continued his display by executing the Dedication Pass and Falcon Turns before commencing his breath-taking performance with Jim Beasly’s in his “Bald Eagle” P-51 at his side for the USAF Heritage Flight. The exuberant audience roared in patriotic appreciation for their hometown hero.
In between air show acts, the flying never stopped as scheduled Harrisburg commercial traffic continued to arrive and depart throughout the day. From adjacent Hershey Medical, a “Life-Lion” medivac helicopter made a low level pass.
And on the ground, attendees were also able to intermingle among Air National Guard unit aircraft; AL F-35A, MD A-10C, PA KC-135R and NJ F-16s. Their respective pilots and crew were available for questions and merchandise for sale. Located on the far end of the ramp was a P-8 Poseidon and Harrisburg’s own, 193rd US Special Operations Command Wing (SOW) MC-130J Commando II.
The first of seven MC-130J Commando II aircraft arrived at Middletown, Pa on 2 February, 2023. Prior to 2022, the 193rd flew four EC-130Js – known as Commando Solo- conducting information operations via broadcasts on FM radio, TV and the military communications bands. Today, the 193rd SOW’s primary mission is to fly and maintain the MC-130J Commando II in support of clandestine or low-visibility, single or multi-ship, low-level infiltration and extraction. This also includes the resupply of special operations forces by airdrop or airland and air refueling missions for special operations helicopters and tiltrotor aircraft. The MC-130J primarily flies missions at night to reduce the probability of visual acquisition and interception by airborne threats. In wartime, the 193rd SOW’s reports to the USAF’s Special Operations Command at Hurlburt Field, Fl whose credo is “combat and support forces…anytime, anywhere, all-purpose.” The 193rd SOW is the first, and currently the only, Air National Guard unit to receive the Commando II mission.
Back in the air, it was the grand finale US Navy Blue Angels that the attendees were anxiously awaiting. Blue Angel #10, Fat Albert KC-130J, took off first with an impressive low-level flyby just over the surface of the adjoining Susquehanna River.
With low hanging dark clouds and threatening rain showers all weekend, the Angels in their blue and gold jets were forced to adapt their show syllabus. Transitioning from a low to high and then back again to a low show, the team’s routine looked crisp and precise, that even included a new maneuver- The Delta Roll. The crowd loved it!
Air Dot Show will again feature the US Navy Blue Angels for Memorial Day Weekend 2026.
Note: Kudos to the air show promoters (Air Dot Show) and volunteers. The entire event from arriving to park to leaving and driving out of the airport was very well organized. Considering, not only was this Air Dot Show first Pennsylvania air show but, this was Harrisburg’s first show in 38 years. It was a job especially well done!
