Air Force Jet Joins Air Show Lineup

One of the fastest fighter jets in the U.S. Air Force has joined the 2012 Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach lineup taking place this Memorial Day weekend.

“We are thrilled to welcome back the renowned F-22 to the Bethpage Air Show lineup," said Rose Harvey, the commissioner of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historical Preservation. "Tri-state area residents are in for a treat with an exciting, elite lineup of performances."

The F-22's last and only other Bethpage Air Show performance was back in 2008, when it was considered the Air Force’s newest fighter aircraft. The F-22 has an aerodynamic design with advanced flight controls and an increased and unmatched thrust-to-weight ratio, which allows the F-22 to cruise at supersonic airspeeds and outmaneuver other aircraft.

Air Show officials say fans will witness precision aerial maneuvers by the F-22 that will demonstrate the unique capabilities of the world’s only operational fifth generation fighter aircraft.

This year's ninth annual Air Show,  at Farmingdale's , is scheduled for May 26 and 27 and the confirmed lineup includes military and civilian pilots.

 in this year's show include the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, the Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds, the U.S. Army Golden Knights, the U.S. Navy F-18 Super Hornet, the 106th New York Air National Guard Rescue Demo Wing HC-130/HH-60, the  Warbirds, the , Sean D. Tucker of Team Oracle, Lt. Col. John Klatt of the National Guard Reserve and Sports Aviator Mike Goulian.

The Air Show is free to the public, but parking is $10 at Jones Beach State Park. For 2012 NYS Empire Passport holders, there is no parking fee. The show will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.

“Since sponsoring Long Island’s first major air show nine years ago, the Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach has grown to become one of the largest, most anticipated public events in New York State where each year, hundreds of thousands of fans travel to Jones Beach to witness air performances like none other,” said Linda Armyn, a senior vice president at the show's sponsor, Bethpage Federal Credit Union.

The latest information about this year’s show can be found on the event's Facebook page or by contacting Jones Beach State Park at 516-785-1600.

“Memorial Day Weekend is an important time to honor women and men of our country’s military both past and present," Harvey said. "With all of the scheduled performers, it looks like this year’s show will be spectacular."

Do you watch the Air Show take off from Republic Airport in Farmingdale each year? Tell us in the comments.