Naval Air Station Patuxent River Air Show 2026

Story and photos by Shawn Byers

Air shows at NAS “Pax River” are few and far between so when they come every 3 to 5 years or more, you put it on the calendar. The 2026 air show was held on June 20th and 21st. It is always a nice time in picturesque southern Maryland. The sun angle is favorable and gets better throughout the day along the show Runway 14/32. Do not be alarmed by the crumbling concrete in the public viewing area as this area is no longer used by aircraft.

Family always comes first so part of my weekend was to support a family wedding out of state and then taking in the Sunday version at Pax River.

One late addition made the show even better. To celebrate USA 250 with us, France’s Patrouille de France performed at Pax River.

NAS Patuxent River is richly historic and is home to Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), Naval Air Warfare Center (NAWCAD), Naval Test Wing Atlantic (NTWL), the US Naval Test Pilot School and Strike Test by VX-23 “the Salty Dogs”, one of my favorite squadron names, ever. There are other squadrons specializing in fixed wing and rotorcraft such as VX-1 “Pioneers”, VXS-1 “Warlocks”, VX-20 “Commanders” and HX-21 “Blackjack”. All new aircraft in the Navy Inventory are tested here with further testing of systems to make the aircraft even better.
That said, since the vehicles are all test configured, Pax River does not fly any of their own stuff at the show, but they are all out on the ramp, making it one of the most interesting static displays at any show with one-off examples of aircraft like the UV-18B Twin Otter or a U-6A Beaver.

The first aircraft to depart for the show was a Navy C-130. Onboard was the US Naval Academy Jump Team featuring Midshipmen taking jump school as an elective course. Michael Goulian circled the jumpers as the first jumper deployed an American Flag for the National Anthem. The anthem of France was also played as part of the opening ceremonies.

RJ Gritter performed twice in his red, white and blue Bellanca Decathlon, executing excellent aerobatics in a basic aircraft.

Greg “Wired” Collier then performed in his T-33 “Ace Maker”. Greg is no stranger to NAS Pax River. He visits every year for sessions with the Test Pilot School to fulfill their curriculum of different airframes and systems while performing tasks in each.

I mentioned that Pax River does not fly any of their own stuff at the show. There was one exception this year. The Search and Rescue Helicopter unit assigned to Pax River performed a demonstration in their MH-60 helicopter.

The next performer was the USAF Viper Demo Team, still wearing red, white and blue originally for the 50th Anniversary of the YF-16, now celebrating America 250 as “America’s Plane”.
B-25 “Panchito” performed a solo routine. Like “Ace Maker”, “Panchito” also works with the Test Pilot School under that same curriculum criteria. It is a shorter commute for them as “Panchito” is based in Georgetown, Delaware.

It was a real treat to see the Patrouille de France perform here. They Fly Dassault Alpha Jet trainer aircraft in large formations and with red, white and blue smoke. One side of their vertical stabilizers was changed to a stylized stars and stripes design.

After they landed, the Viper Demo Team departed for…not home in South Carolina, but Baltimore for the next week’s performance over Fort McHenry.

Jim “Torque” Tobul performed a solo flight in his F4U-4 Corsair, “Korean War Hero”

Michael Goulian performed in that final slot before the finale in his yellow Extra 330SC.

The Blue Angels closed the show and a funny thing happened when the pilots appeared. A few friends and I saw it at the same time and commented “The Yellows”. There doesn’t seem to be a time or reason for it but the Blue Angels were in yellow this day. It certainly looks different and is a noticeable contrast to their blue aircraft.

I stayed a bit after the show for more static photos as the sun had moved, offering angles on aircraft not available in the morning.

I wish to thank the NAS Patuxent River Public Affairs Officer, Patrick Gordon for the coordination in attending Sunday as I could not get my pass at the appointed times.