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After a year off due to budget restrictions, the Joint Base Andrews Air Show was held at Andrews Air Force Base outside Washing­ton, D.C., on September 16-17, 2017. Spec­tators at the free airshow were treated to military aircraft displays, aerobatic routines, warbird flybys and a rousing performance by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds in celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Air Force’s establishment as a separate service on September 18, 1947. Most important, they got a chance to meet and interact with the airmen who defend the United States and its allies and fly relief missions around the globe. Here’s a snapshot of sights from this year’s show. 

Old Lightning meets new: The Planes of Fame Air Museum’s Lockheed P-38J flies with a Lockheed F-35A Lightning II of the 61st Fighter Squadron at the Andrews Airshow. (U.S. Air Force)
Old Lightning meets new: The Planes of Fame Air Museum’s Lockheed P-38J flies with a Lockheed F-35A Lightning II of the 61st Fighter Squadron at the Andrews Airshow. (U.S. Air Force)
The Commemorative Air Force’s replica Zeros never fail to impress with their “Tora, Tora, Tora!” mock Pearl Harbor attack. (U.S. Air Force)
The Commemorative Air Force’s replica Zeros never fail to impress with their “Tora, Tora, Tora!” mock Pearl Harbor attack. (U.S. Air Force)
The Boeing B-29 “Doc,” one of only two flying Superfortresses, makes a fly-by, reflecting Andrews’ runway on its polished aluminum fuselage. (Carl von Wodtke)
The Boeing B-29 “Doc,” one of only two flying Superfortresses, makes a fly-by, reflecting Andrews’ runway on its polished aluminum fuselage. (Carl von Wodtke)
“Doc” parks on the tarmac at Andrews, awaiting its next flight. (Carl von Wodtke)
“Doc” parks on the tarmac at Andrews, awaiting its next flight. (Carl von Wodtke)
Two Thunderbird F-16s perform a reflection pass at Andrews Air Force Base. (U.S. Air Force)
Two Thunderbird F-16s perform a reflection pass at Andrews Air Force Base. (U.S. Air Force)
Spectators watch and photograph the action on the flight line during the Andrews airshow. (U.S. Air Force)
Spectators watch and photograph the action on the flight line during the Andrews airshow. (U.S. Air Force)
The Geico Skytypers perform a break maneuver in their North American SNJ-2 Texans. (Carl von Wodtke)
The Geico Skytypers perform a break maneuver in their North American SNJ-2 Texans. (Carl von Wodtke)
Scott “Scooter” Yoak pilots his North American P-51D “Quick Silver” in formation with Jim Tobul’s Vought F4U-4 Corsair “Korean War Hero” during a Class of ’45 performance. (Carl von Wodtke)
Scott “Scooter” Yoak pilots his North American P-51D “Quick Silver” in formation with Jim Tobul’s Vought F4U-4 Corsair “Korean War Hero” during a Class of ’45 performance. (Carl von Wodtke)

 

After four decades of service, the Fairchild Republic A-10 “Warthog” is still helping to support ground troops with its lethal 30mm rotary cannon. (Carl von Wodtke)
After four decades of service, the Fairchild Republic A-10 “Warthog” is still helping to support ground troops with its lethal 30mm rotary cannon. (Carl von Wodtke)
The Delaware Aviation Museum’s North American B-25J Mitchell “Panchito” heads for the clouds over Andrews. (Carl von Wodtke)
The Delaware Aviation Museum’s North American B-25J Mitchell “Panchito” heads for the clouds over Andrews. (Carl von Wodtke)
A Lockheed Martin rep shows off the cockpit of the company’s new T-50A trainer to airshow attendees. (Carl von Wodtke)
A Lockheed Martin rep shows off the cockpit of the company’s new T-50A trainer to airshow attendees. (Carl von Wodtke)
Schoolchildren emerge from the gaping maw of an Air Mobility Command Lockheed C-5 Galaxy. (Carl von Wodtke)
Schoolchildren emerge from the gaping maw of an Air Mobility Command Lockheed C-5 Galaxy. (Carl von Wodtke)