The Naval Air Base’s “Southernmost Spectacular” on March 30-31 is an event that Keys residents anticipate every year with excitement. This year’s theme is “Women in Aviation.” It will be held on the Boca Chica Air Field at MM 8. The famed Blue Angels dazzle the crowds with truly spectacular feats of flight, and they are joined by other flight demonstration teams showcasing maneuvers used in aerial combat. The Navy also opens up the base to food vendors, live music and attractions like helicopter rides. The Naval Air Base has been a part of the Keys community since 1917, and it’s a special opportunity for a peek (up) into their operations.
Show Schedule:
Saturday and Sunday, March 30-31
Gates open at9 a.m.
Air show starts at10:30 a.m.
Blue Angels fly at2:30 p.m.
General admission and parking are free
How do I get there? Where can I park?
Northbound traffic enters at marina gate MM 7. Southbound traffic enters at main gate MM 8. VIP pass holders, ride share vehicles enter at commercial gate MM 9. Note that all ride share vehicles are required to ONLY use the gate at MM 9. If a ride share vehicles enters through any other gate they will not be able to exit the base since MM7 and MM8 are strictly entrance gates. Once you enter the base you will be guided to the nearest available parking area. For questions specific to parking different types of vehicles, contact the security office at 305-293-2506.
What can I bring?
Chairs and blankets are permitted and recommended for general spectator seating. Strollers, carriages and wagons are permitted, but cannot take up aisle space in the seating areas. No pets other than service animals. No drones. Camera bags and diaper bags are allowed but subject to search. No outside food or beverages (no coolers) are allowed into the air show, other than baby bottles (non-glass) and small snack items for infant children.
ATM
Keys Federal Credit Union will have ATMs on site during the air show. The mobile unit will be in the second row of vendors centrally located.
Food & beverage vendors
Two beer tents will be available to the general public, located on the far east and west side of the first row of vendors. Beverages will include water and soda for $2 and the following beer and wine for $5: Budweiser, Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, Goose Island IPA, Stella Artois, COPA cabernet sauvignon, COPA pinot grigioand Pulpolocosangria. Full service bars are only available inside the Flightline Club Chalet, the Sponsor & Corporate Chalet and the CO’s distinguished visitors tent.
A variety of food booths and food trucks will be located on the first row of vendors, available for the general public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. A full list of the vendors:
• BJ’s Events: Greek menu & hot dog stand
• Caroll’s Corn Crib: Gyro, cheesesteak, funnel cake & fries
• Cactus Jack’s Grill: Cajun/Southwest & Mexican
• Chubbs Hot Dog Stand: hot dogs & sausage
• Clemente’s Trolley Pizzeria: pizza & cannoli
• Freund Family Foods: Slush factory & nachos, corn dogs, funnel cake
• Kennedy Café: Gyro, sesame chicken, croquettes & cupcakes
• Turtle Kraals: BBQ, lobster egg rolls & ceviche
• Santillo Enterprises: Cheesesteak, burgers, corndogs, nachos, tenders
• Scoopers: Ice cream & frozen lemonade
• The Raw Machine: smoothies, juice, wraps & salads
• Zeny’s Concessions: Cheesesteak, tenders, nachos, Italian sausage, corn dog & fries
Helicopter rides
Helicopter rides will be offered throughout the two-day air show and rides will conclude when the U.S. Navy Blue Angels perform at 2:30 p.m. each day. The helicopter is able to accommodate three people per ride. Each ride is 4 minutes and cost is $39 per person. There is a single rider option for $34.
Info tent & medical tent
NAS Key West Naval Branch Medical Clinic along with an information tent will be located on the far west and east side of the second row of vendors. Stop by to find out what is available at the event and where things are located. The medical tent is available for lost and found and medical attention. We encourage our guests to stay hydrated, bring sunscreen and hats or umbrellas. The tarmac gets quite hot and people will be susceptible to heat exhaustion and sunburns.
Kid’s Zone
Air Show Entertainment will be providing a kid’s zone filled with inflatable rides, slides, a bungee jump and bounces houses. Tickets will be available for purchase to participate. The free Home Depot Workshop will be on site along with face painting and henna by Jennifer Montgomery; fees apply.
Women in Aviation Meet & Greet
Come and meet the civilian female pilots and performers of the Southernmost Air Spectacular along with a number of women from the Navy and other organizations. The booth will be located along the first row of vendors next to the MWR merchandise tent.
Letter from Captain Bobby Baker
On behalf of the men and women who serve and work at NAS Key West, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the 2019 Southernmost Air Spectacular. It is our hope that you will enjoy this exciting event with your family and friends.
Naval Air Station Key West has a long and proud history, and is currently the Navy’s premier air-to-air combat training station and also home to a bustling port facility. The installation has been a part of the Key West community since 1917, when a coastal air station was built on Trumbo Point. The first naval flight recorded from the station was on Sept. 22, 1917, with Coast Guard Lt. Stanley Parker flying a Curtiss N-9 seaplane.
In 1945, after World War II, the Navy disestablished its satellite air fields and combined them into one aviation activity designated as U.S. Naval Air Station, Key West. It has served as a training facility since then, preparing hundreds of thousands of aviators from all services, as well as allied nations, to preserve peace and protect the nation.
We have also selected very special civilian performers for the Southernmost Air Spectacular. The performers that you see today have spent thousands of hours developing their amazing and exciting aerobatic acts.
The Naval Air Station also has served as “the tip of spear” when needed – first in 1962 during the Cuban Missile Crisis and most recently in support of Haiti humanitarian missions.
The skill and training required by military aviators is evident in the U.S. Navy’s Flight Demonstration Squadron the Blue Angels, as well as the other military flight demonstration teams that you will see this weekend. The incredible maneuvers that the Blue Angels perform are actually the same fundamental maneuvers that are employed in aerial combat.
Spectacular flying, static displays, a Kid’s Zone, souvenirs and concessions – there is no better way to spend a day with family and friends! We are glad you are here to see your military in action!
Bobby Baker, Captain
Commanding Officer
Naval Air Station Key West
