2024 Milwaukee Air & Water Show; organizers provide details
MILWAUKEE - The countdown is on for this summer's Milwaukee Air & Water Show.
The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will return from a five-year hiatus to headline the lakefront spectacle, but you can expect more than just U.S. flight teams in the sky.
"Look up in the sky, and you’ll see the tankers and the fighters fly by," said Col. Charlie Merkel, commanding officer of the 128th Air Refueling Wing.
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It's a roar people wait all year to hear. It celebrates Milwaukee’s veterans, first responders, members of the armed services, and their families.
"(It) shows patriotism to come out and wave to the folks in the air as they go," Merkel said.
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The Thunderbirds will have six demonstration pilots flying the venerable Lockheed F-16 Fighting Falcon. They're are not the only team returning to Milwaukee.
"Thrilled to see the Thunderbirds and all the amazing acts that come with," said Guy Smith with Milwaukee County Parks.
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The U.S. Army's Golden Knights will parachute in. And for the first time in 30 years, the Italian Air Force's Frecce Tricoli will travel to North America; the team will stop to perform at this year's Air & Water Show.
"Known for their red, white and green smoke, one of the world's most prestigious aerobatic teams," said Brian Allendorfer. "With 10 aircrafts – nine in close formation, and a soloist – they are known as the world’s largest aerobatic team."
The 2024 Milwaukee Air & Water Show is slated for Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28 at McKinley Park and Bradford Beach.
U.S. Army Golden Knights
The United States Army Parachute Team, nicknamed the Golden Knights, and the world’s premier military parachute team, will return to Milwaukee after a six-year absence. The Golden Knights hold world records in aerial competitions, and are known for taking soldiers, celebrities, and heads of state on skydiving events. Members must demonstrate excellence in parachuting.
The Golden Knights are made up of several expert teams and skilled professionals who all play a critical role in the Army’s success.
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Italian Air Force’s National Aerobatic Team
The Frecce Tricolori ("Tricolor Arrows"), the official aerobatic team of the Italian Air Force, will also participate in the 2024 show. Based at Rivolto, Italy, the team alternates between solo and multiple-aircraft maneuvers and are regarded as one of the world’s top aerobatic teams. Flying ten MB-339s, they are the joint largest aerobatic team in the world.
Based at Rivolto, the Frecce Tricolori are regarded as one of the world’s top aerobatic teams. The Frecce Tricolori were formed in 1961 to replace Italy’s many unofficial aerobatic teams.
The Frecce Tricolori use green, white and red smoke throughout their display. The first displays comprised a four-ship of F-86 Sabres and an additional solo aircraft, with the main formation gradually increasing in size to nine aircraft. The team transitioned to the Fiat G.91 in 1964 and the MB-339A/PAN in 1982. The MB-339 will soon be replaced by the M-345HET.