Joint Base Andrews Air Show 2025

Story and photos by Shawn Byers

Joint Base Andrews held what has become a bi-annual air show on September 13th and 14th 2025. I was thankful that it was not in conflict with Naval Air Station Oceana as has happened in years past where I would split time between both shows. For 2025, I was able to dedicate the whole weekend to this show. This is a semi-local show for me, commuting from my home near Baltimore. Even on a good traffic day though, it takes about 45 minutes.

Joint Base Andrews was originally named Camp Springs Army Airfield when it was constructed in 1943, becoming Andrews Field in 1945 to honor Lt General Frank Andrews. From 1947 to 2009 it was known as Andrews Air Force Base. In 2010, the current 316th Wing became the base host as it was renamed Joint Base Andrews reflecting the presence of Naval Air Facility Washington, residing on the north side of the base.

Some of the notable tenants of Joint Base Andrews are the 89th Airlift Wing specializing in Special Air Missions (SAM) and feature the blue and white C-37, C-40, C-32 and VC-25 aircraft (Air Force One). The 113th Wing, District of Columbia Air National Guard (F-16C and C-40), and the 459th Air Refueling Wing (KC-135). The blue and white UH-1N “Hueys” belong to the 1st Helicopter Squadron which falls under the 316th Wing. Army and Marine Corps air assets are also based here at “America’s Airfield”.

My weekend started on Thursday. We were granted airside access by Public Affairs to watch arrivals and anything else flying with some security ground rules. Unfortunately, for a good part of the afternoon, a large gray cloud parked itself over the base. Nonetheless, I am thankful for the opportunity afforded us. We were able to see a Presidential movement in a C-32 (civilian Boeing 757) and the Marine Helicopters including the new Sikorsky S-92 in nice afternoon light. We learned Thursday evening that the F-35A Demonstration Team had canceled their appearance at the show.

Friday was practice day, and a lot of Department of Defense card holders attended, making it a light day but with a healthy crowd. The weather all weekend was sunny and September pleasant.

I joined some friends at air show left for the day. In the early part of the show, the home team performs flybys featuring the 1st Helicopter Squadron, the 459th Air Refueling Wing and on Friday only, the DC Air Guard C-40 and F-16s. The sun angle is harsh over Runway 01R-19L at this time, but we had an awesome view of the venerable, classic UH-1Ns returning to their parking ramp. These “Hueys” are due to be replaced but no one knows when that will be.

Prior to those flybys, the Golden Knights had launched in their DeHavilland Dash 8 along with aerobatic performer, Aaron Delieu. Aaron circled the jumpers as the National Anthem was played. The Golden Knights would perform twice each day.

One interesting addition to the Golden Knights aircraft were jumpers from the United States Naval Academy. I wish I could have been in the room when this Army-Navy arrangement was announced. They jumped a bit later, complete with a “Beat Army” flag, from the still airborne Dash 8.

Aaron Deliu flew his aerobatic routine in his white Extra 330SC after the jumpers reached the ground. Retired Marine Corps General, Robert “Rooster” Schmidle followed and flew aerobatics in this early time slot in his Red and White Pitts S-2B.

A pair of Warbirds in the form of a P-40 Warhawk and a C-47 took off and flew some circuits.

Warbird Thunder, a pair of T-6 Texans formerly of the Geico Skytypers, took to the air piloted by Chris “CT” Thomas and Mike “Buick” Eberhardt. They flew a two-ship formation routine with a lot of smoke and that T-6 prop noise we all know.

T-33, “Ace Maker” is owned and flown by Greg Colyer, and someone else on the Friday routine. Greg has a busy air show schedule taking him from coast to coast in his classic jet trainer. He also has the best helmet in aviation.

The C-17 Demonstration Team demonstrated the maneuverability and short field performance of “The Moose”.

Wingwalker Sam is a husband-and-wife team from Canada. Mike Tryggvason flies the white Grumman Show Cat and Samantha rides the wing. Sam was once inspired at an air show to make her wingwalking dreams come true.

“Panchito” the B-25 based in Georgetown, Delaware flew a solo routine with some open bomb bay passes.

The U.S. Navy F/A-18F “Rhino” Demonstration Team then got the jet noise going with a left to right takeoff into the dirty roll. The sun was just beginning to get over the runway.

RJ Gritter performed aerobatics in his patriotic red, white and blue Bellanca Decathlon.

The Golden Knights jumped again in the afternoon and on Saturday, I was again privileged to fly with them in the Dash 8. I had a better seat than my previous experience, allowing me to see them step out of the door and see the world beneath us.

The 1st Helicopter Squadron launched a single UH-1N in the afternoon for a photo flight. One pass to the right, then one to the left and back to parking.

Michael Goulian flew the final afternoon slot in his yellow and black Extra 330SC.

The USAF Thunderbirds closed the show. By this time of the day, the lighting is perfect.

Notable static aircraft included the Royal Australian Air Force Boeing E-7A Wedgetail, the EA-37B Compass Call out of Davis-Monthan AFB, two MV-22s from Special Operations out at Cannon AFB, two F-15s from the Louisiana Air National Guard, two F-35As from the Wisconsin Air National Guard, a KC-135, C-40. F-16 and UH-1N from the home team. There were also a number of helicopters, the rare C-54 “Berlin Airlift” and a C-5 from Dover.

I wish to thank the 316th Wing Public Affairs Team of Matt Ebarb and Sgt Broome for all of their assistance, as well as all the on-base volunteers. Special Shout Out to Sgt Lee who ended up giving me and two other media people a ride in her personal vehicle back to our parking area on that busy Friday afternoon.