United States Navy to Demonstrate F/A-18 Super Hornet at Wings Over North Georgia Air Show

Historic WWII Warbirds Also Added to Show Lineup

Rome, Georgia (June 7, 2012) JLC AirShow Management today announced that the United States Navy has confirmed that the Wings Over North Georgia Air Show has been approved for the F/A-18 Super Hornet tactical fighter demonstration performed by the VFA-106 TAC Demo Team from NAS Oceana, Virginia.  The air show will take place at Richard B. Russell (Tower Field) Regional Airport in Rome, Georgia September 28 – 30 and will be headlined by the Canadian Forces Snowbirds and the Black Diamond jet teams.   In addition to the air show, the Smoke-n-Thunder Barbeque Classic™, Smoke-n-Thunder Auto Show™ and Commemorative Air Force’s “Red, White & Loud Concert” featuring country recording artist Aaron Tippin will take place.          

The air show also announced today that the Black Diamond jet team performance at Wings Over North Georgia and at most other shows this year will consist of two L-39 jets. Originally, Black Diamond had planned on performing in seven jets at the show.  The change in Black Diamond’s team makeup was necessary because many of their pilots and aircraft have been engaged by the U.S. government to provide contracting services in support of our nation’s military.

The F/A‐18 Super Hornet is the Navy’ frontline fighter aircraft and has served with distinction during current conflicts.    This twin-engine, carrier-based aircraft takes on multiple roles including:  air-to-air combat, air-to-ground combat, fighter escort and reconnaissance.  The Super Hornet will fly demonstrations on both weekend days at the show.

In addition to the Super Hornet’s solo tactical demonstrations, the air show will also host a United States Navy Legacy Flight pairing the F/A-18 Super Hornet with the F4-U Corsair.  The Legacy Flight program matches today’s frontline fighters with their WWII era predecessors in close flight maneuvers.  The Super Hornet and Corsair flight is sure to be a grand salute to the United States Navy and its commitment to aviation evolution.

The show also announced that the F4-U Corsair “Korean War Hero” and the P-51D Mustang “Quick Silver” have been added to fly Saturday & Sunday solo demonstrations along with the Friday evening twilight show.

The F4-U Corsair was the most capable carrier-based bomber-fighter of World War II.  Flown today by Jim Tobul of South Carolina; this aircraft has seen the tests of time.  Jim and his father, Joe Tobul, bought this airplane in 1981 after discovering the 1945 Corsair in a lime orchard in Homestead, Florida.  After a very long rebuilding project, "Korean War Hero" proudly flew again on December 8, 1991 over the Pittsburgh skies.

The P-51 is one of the most iconic aircraft from WWII and is known for the incredible & unique sound of the 1800 horsepower Merlin Rolls Royce engine as it performs high power aerobatic routines.  The P-51D Quick Silver, also known as “The Resurrected Veteran”, celebrates our nation’s armed forces. Thoughtfully designed, each aspect of the paint feature represents and honors those who have served our country and who have made the ultimate sacrifice.  Father and son team, Bill and Scott “Scooter” Yoak of West Virginia, spent 13 years meticulously working to make the P-51D Mustang a reality. The Quick Silver Mustang is made from parts of Mustangs that were used in every war theater the Mustang was utilized.  Flying the Pitts S2C and one-of-a-kind Talon Eagle, Billy Werth and Dan McClung demonstrate the awesome power of these highly-modified aerobatic aircraft.            

“As retired Air Force veterans, one of our key company goals in creating this air show was to highlight our nation’s military strength and salute our veterans from WWII to present day,” said John Cowman, President of JLC AirShow Management.  “The addition of the F/A-18 Super Hornet and these grand ole’ warbirds will go a long way toward accomplishing those ends.”

Advance purchase general admission tickets and upgraded seating are now on sale at www.WingsOverNorthGeorgia.com along with a current list of the outstanding performers and attractions. The show can also be found on Facebook. High resolution photos of all performers are available upon request from Herb Gillen Agency.

The Wings Over North Georgia Air Show will be held at Richard B. Russell Regional Airport on September 28 – 30, 2012. The event features military jet teams, single-ship military demonstrations, classic warbirds, civilian performers, static aircraft displays and fun activities for kids and families. The show will also host the Smoke ‘n Thunder Barbeque Classic™ and the Smoke ‘n Thunder Auto Show™. For more information visit www.WingsOverNorthGeorgia.com.