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NEWINGTON, N.H. — Over 60,000 people braved a mixed weather forecast to get a close-up view of military aviation, Sept. 6–7.
The two-day Thunder Over New Hampshire Air Show and Open House forged ahead into the storms, opening New Hampshire’s only Air National Guard base to the public. During the show, attendees had the opportunity to connect with service members while being immersed in an international military experience, including the U.S. Navy Blue Angels.
As a result of the projected storms, the schedule was shifted both Saturday and Sunday to allow visitors the best opportunity to experience each day. Most Saturday’s performances occurred as scheduled, with only the tail-end of the Blue Angel’s performance being cut short. On Sunday, gates opened early as the rain streamed from gray skies. Flying began around 1:30 p.m. as the Blue Angels performed a single-ship flight that included several high-speed passes, complete with a massive vapor cone, before ending their performance. Weather improved through the afternoon, and the day concluded with an extended demonstration by the Air Combat Command F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team.
“Our Airmen worked diligently through the rain and storms to ensure the show was ready and as enjoyable as possible for our guests,” said Maj. Michelle Mastrobatista, the airshow director. “I’m also grateful for our community partners who assisted us all along the way.”
In addition to the Blue Angels, the show featured the Air Combat Command F-35A Demonstration Team, and the 157th Air Refueling Wing’s own KC-46A Pegasus, the Air Force’s next-generation aerial refueler. They were joined by the U.S. Marine Corps C-130 “Fat Albert,” the U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk, the U.S. Para Commandos, Michael Goulian, Carol Pilon’s Third Strike Wingwalking, the JackAces P-51 Demo, and the Smoke-N-Thunder Jet Car.
Alongside the celebration of aviation, two large aircraft hangars and a portion of the air ramp were filled with interactive STEM exhibits. Children and adults explored robotics, aviation technology and other hands-on learning opportunities.
The airshow was made possible through a collaboration between the 157th Air Refueling Wing and its community partners: New Hampshire Military Assistance Foundation, Port City Air, Pease Development Authority, Veterans Count, the Gigunda Group, New Hampshire Army National Guard, the Brunswick Airport, and state and local law enforcement.
“This event is for our community and those that came out to enjoy this awesome experience,” said Col. Nelson Perron, commander of the 157th ARW. "We really appreciate everyone's support, and we know this show and open house wouldn't be possible without it."
The air show also paid homage to Rob Holland, a decorated aerobatics pilot and world-renowned flyer from New Hampshire, who lost his life in an aircraft accident earlier in 2025.
"Rob was the kind of pilot who walked into a room and the Blue Angels go over and shake his hand," said Capt. Jake Ricciotti, a pilot with the 157th Operations Group. "He was one of the most down-to-earth people you'd ever meet. For a man as quiet as he was to leave such a void in aviation after his passing means he was able to do some impossible things in the air."
In Holland’s honor, the SOCOM Paracommandos displayed a "Fly Good, Don't Suck" flag, a signature Rob Holland message.
In addition to the Saturday and Sunday performances, the base also hosted a family day for local military members on Friday, when the demonstration teams were practicing for the event. The day allowed active and veteran Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines the opportunity to spend time with their loved ones while getting a sneak peak at the weekend’s performances.
While the rain darkened the skies and wet the runway, it didn’t dampen the spirits or enthusiasm of many in the community.
"I want to be a pilot now," said Hannah from Brentwood, NH. "When the F-35 went by I could feel it in my lungs! They were going so fast and the fact that the pilot could stop and change directions in a split second, that was the coolest thing in the world."
| Date Taken: | 09.07.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.08.2025 11:28 |
| Story ID: | 547509 |
| Location: | NEWINGTON, NEW HAMPSHIRE, US |
| Web Views: | 83 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Pease hosts Thunder Over New Hampshire Air Show, by TSgt Victoria Nelson, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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