2023 OC Air Show soars on boardwalk, creates family traditions

OCEAN CITY, Md.- “I have two little kids, so my ears are prepared for loud noises anyway,” Becker said.

For Katie Becker’s family, the OC Air Show has become a tradition. “Sometimes it’s very chilling. It’s amazing and I get goosebumps when they fly over with the thunderbirds,” Becker said.

They were just some of thousands who headed to the boardwalk over the weekend for the 16th installment headlined by The US Airforce Thunderbirds.

Acts from several branches of the military also took flight including the U.S Navy Rhino Demo Team. “We start out with training and lowering the altitude that we’re going down to. For the show today we’re going down 200 feet,” Lt. Wilson.

Lieutenant Marty Wilson says those formations and maneuvers aviation lovers see aren’t stunts and require lots of training.

Although they love flying, he says that’s just their secondary duty. “Everyone that’s on FA-DEMO team are also instructors. We’re teaching students how to fly and fight the FA steam back home. The other thing we really like doing is being able to have interface with the public,”

As those planes soar, so does the local economy thanks to the extra foot traffic the event rolls in. “Hotels fill up and restaurants are seeing a lot of patrons. Retail cars are being rented,” OC Air Show Public Relations Director Chris Dirato said.

Becker says the air show gives her family the chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life while also supporting those who protect our freedom every day. “Depending on where you’re at you won’t see them but you’ll hear them. That’s a testament in itself of our men and women,” Becker said.

Organizers tells us the event was also an opportunity to get those interested in either aviation or serving in the military set up with more information.