Arctic Lightning Air Show at Eielson brings Blue Angels back to Alaska

That odd-looking warbird that landed in Juneau Monday? It was a circa 1948 Ace Maker T-33 “Shooting Star,” the first operational jet fighter and a true piece of U.S. military might heading to Fairbanks.

The U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels, F-35 Demo Team and Air Force Parachute Team are among the many exhibits and air show participants at the Eielson Air Force Base Air Show this weekend at an event that is free and open to the public.

For the Arctic Lightning Airshow 2021, visitors will see also the Pacific Air Force’s F-16 Demonstration Team, the vintage Commemorative Air Force Alaska Wing Warbirds, and the Shooting Star, with pilot Greg Colyer.

Colyer flew the Shooting Star to Fairbanks with one stop in Juneau.

Gates at Eielson will open at 9 am July 31 through Aug. 1. No ID is required for visitors entering the main gate (Hursey). The aerial acts are between 12-4 pm. Ear protection is highly encouraged, especially for children, and will not be provided at the show. There will be food vendors and the airshow organizers encourage people to remember to hydrate and bring sunscreen. You cannot bring your own food, alcohol or recreational drugs, but there will be a beer vendor on the premises, and many food vendors.

Fairbanks-area Alaskans should note that a section of the Richardson Highway along the Eielson flight line will be closed periodically throughout the airshow.

Static displays are also part of the airshow, including:

• F-16 Fighting Falcon
• F-22 Raptor
• F-35 Lightning II
• F-15C Eagle
• EA-18G Growler
• HH-60 Pave Hawk
• Alaska State Troopers
• AH-64 Apache

Gene’s Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM, the presenting sponsor of the air show, will be kicking off the show with two 700+ horsepower drag races each day with a max speed demonstration.

More information about the performances, demonstrations, and displays are being updated at this link.