Starting off with a bang! 2025 MCAS Beaufort Airshow Review
By Chaz Teets

Beaufort, SC | April 12–13, 2025

This show will forever live in my memory for one very special reason—it marked the first time I received media credentials for an airshow hosted on a U.S. military base. Not only that, but this was also the farthest south I’ve ever traveled in the U.S., beating my previous record of Cowpens, South Carolina. The 2025 MCAS Beaufort Airshow wasn’t just another weekend on the calendar—it was a defining step in my aviation media journey.

First Impressions & Crowd Logistics

With 2025 marking the 250th anniversary of both the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, I knew this would be a fitting year to attend shows hosted on Navy and Marine installations. Ironically, I hadn’t originally planned to start my season with this event. I’d applied for media credentials months earlier and, after not hearing back, committed to attending the EAA Shenandoah Valley Chapter Fly-In that same weekend. Two things changed that: poor weather postponed the fly-in, and just four days before the Beaufort show, I received an email—my credentials had been approved.

I packed fast, rolled with the punches, and headed south.

Media access began at 9:30 AM, and I was guided to a parking area just 100 yards from a main entrance. From the very start, the U.S. Marines showed the professionalism and discipline they're known for—everything from punctual logistics to squared-away uniforms radiated the strength and pride of the Corps.

Despite Saturday reaching full parking capacity, the showgrounds never felt overcrowded. Vendors, statics, and food stands were well spaced, and the low-70s temperatures made for a perfect day to chat with fellow photographers and pilots. A great first impression all around.

Static Display Standouts

One of the biggest reasons I wanted to attend this show was to catch what was announced as the final public static display of the AV-8B Harrier. I’d seen one as a kid at Andrews AFB in the mid-90s, but I wanted to properly appreciate it with a camera in hand and context as an adult. On Sunday, I made sure to spend some quality time with both Harriers on display—bittersweet, knowing they’ll soon be replaced by the F-35B.

A welcome surprise was spotting a USMC F-5 Tiger II, part of the adversary training squadron based at Beaufort. Other notables included legacy F/A-18Cs, multiple F-35s, Cobra and Apache helicopters, and an impressive lineup of WWII-era aircraft including a P-40, T-6 Texan, Grumman Wildcat, Avenger, and a C-47.

Launching the Action

Both days kicked off with a spirited mini-concert by the USMC brass band. Hearing them play the Top Gun theme was the perfect opener. The US Army Golden Knights parachute team followed, with Red Thunder Airshows in their Yak-50s circling above as the jumpers descended.

The aerial acts came fast and loud. The CAF’s B-25 Mitchell “Devil Dog”, based in Texas, made several passes—a rare East Coast appearance. Warbird Thunder, flying SNJ-6s (T-6 Texans), delivered a powerful aerobatic demo and even paired up with Precision Exotics to race a Lamborghini down the runway. Spoiler: I was rooting for the planes.

Then came the jet age, with Jerry Conley’s DeHavilland Vampire cutting through the sky to the theme of Count Dracula. I’ve seen his Vampire at a couple shows before, but it never gets old. It’s a beautiful aircraft that perfectly represents the dawn of the jet era.

Solo Jet Highlights

The USAF F-16 Viper Demo Team, flown by Maj. Taylor “FEMA” Hiester, ripped through the skies in their striking red, white, and blue prototype anniversary livery. Both days concluded with a Heritage Flight alongside a P-51 Mustang, always a crowd favorite and a goldmine for photos.

On the Marine side, the F-35B Lightning II took to the sky with its mind-bending short takeoff and hovering capabilities. This was the final piece of the F-35 puzzle for me—I’ve now seen the A, B, and C variants in person.

MAGTF Demo: A Beaufort Signature

No MCAS Beaufort show would be complete without the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) demonstration. Marines I spoke with were especially excited for this part, and now I know why. Two F/A-18Cs and an F-35B provided close air support for troops deploying from a V-22 Osprey. Pyro charges, simulated strikes, and a wall of fire brought the demo to life—pure adrenaline, and a highlight of the entire weekend.

Unfortunately, the Marine helicopters slated to appear didn’t fly—likely a maintenance issue—but that’s aviation for you. Plans are always subject to change.

Civilian Aerobatic Performers: A Feast for the Eyes

The civilian aerobatic lineup was loaded with talent. Mike Goulian brought his championship-winning presence, flying a tight, polished routine. “Rooster” Schmidle, a retired USMC three-star general and combat veteran of Desert Storm, flew a powerful Pitts biplane routine to roaring cheers. Northern Virginia’s RJ Gritter wowed the crowd with his negative-G maneuvers—I don’t know how his head doesn’t explode after those.

Full Throttle Formation Team, flying all-RV aircraft, showed off excellent formation work and clear camaraderie. And two teams made cross-country treks to be there: Undaunted Airshows (RV-7 & RV-8) from Washington, and Red Thunder (Yak-50s) from Utah. Both brought showmanship, energy, and aircraft not often seen on the East Coast. I hope to see them again soon, as I am completely jealous of the folks out west who get to see them on a regular basis.

After a second Golden Knights jump, it was time for the grand finale.

The Blue Angels: Precision Perfected

This was my first time photographing the Blue Angels with my Canon 5D Mark III and Canon 400mm f/5.6L prime lens—and wow, what a show. Saturday’s clouds meant we got the “low” show, while Sunday’s crystal-clear skies gave us the full “high” show. The Blues delivered their usual mix of jaw-dropping formation flying and sonic precision. While humidity was low and vapor trails were rare, the payoff was razor-sharp images of high-speed passes and tight turns.

For the first time, I also photographed “Fat Albert,” the team’s C-130 Hercules transport, in flight—a personal milestone in my growing aviation photo archive.

Final Thoughts

This wasn’t just a good airshow—it was a formative experience. From getting credentials to shooting the Blue Angels to seeing the final Harrier static display, every moment was meaningful. I want to express my deepest thanks to the U.S. Marine Corps, the team at CommStrat, and every pilot and support member who made this weekend one to remember.

It may have been my first MCAS Beaufort show—but it certainly won’t be my last.

POSTSCRIPT:

In the days after writing this review, before publishing, the aviation world suffered a tragedy that will be felt for a very long time. Arguably the best aerobatic pilot the world has ever seen, Rob Holland was involved in a fatal accident while landing at Joint Base Langley for the airshow that coming weekend.

I personally got to see Rob only one time, at Lancaster, PA in the fall of 2024. His involvement in the lineup for the show was the main driving factor in me attending that show. I had heard all the accolades, and I wanted to see it in person. Once his routine was complete, there was no doubt. He was the best pilot I'd ever seen take to the skies.
After the completion of the show, I went to his merchandise tent and bought a keyring, and a patch for my vest. I waited around to meet him in person, and to shake his hand. I overheard the individuals manning the tent say he was off doing something, and he would return later. I said to myself something I will always regret. I told myself I would see him plenty of times later, and that I had a long drive home, there was no real reason to wait that day.

In 2025, while creating my own personal schedule of shows to go to, I made sure to include shows he was going to be at. At least 2 shows I would see him perform at. I ordered his 2025 patch for my vest, and four days before the Langley show, it arrived in my mailbox.

Two days before the show, he was gone.