Arctic Thunder 2016

It's here!

Arctic Thunder 2016 begins today at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.

Featured performers:
Jason Newburg*
Gary Ward*
Greg Colyer*
Marcus Paine*
Wings of Freedom*
Commemorative Air Force*
Super Cub Short Take-Off and Landing Demonstration*
F-22 Demonstration
CF-18 Demonstration
C-17 Demonstration Team
P-51 Heritage Flight
Joint Force Demonstration
212th Rescue Squadron Para Rescue Jumpers
Team Rocket Airshows
Anna Serinenko
Jacquie Warda
US Navy Blue Angels
*Alaska Air Show provided performer

Video & Photos: Arctic Thunder Air Show

The Alaska Dispatch News has some great photos, here.

Sample:

click to enlarge - or better yet, go to the linked slide show. :)

Video is from KTUU Channel 2 in Anchorage. 

About That Air Show ...

The combined Army/Air Force base has five entrances. In years past, all or most of them have been opened for the public to access the show. This year, they're only allowing access via two gates, at a show with an average annual attendance of nearly 100,000 people.

Also, the city of Anchorage had established remote parking areas, and was running shuttles from there to the flight line. This year, they've cancelled that service.

I was to meet my buddy Joe there after lunch. He just called to say the traffic is backed up for 3/4 mile at the more remote gate, and for two miles at the main entrance. Minimum waiting time to get in would be 90 minutes to two hours.

Won't be going this year, it seems, but I'll wager the local talking heads will be crying in their beer about the reduced attendance.