The Blue Angels will return to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in August for the Arctic Thunder Open House, marking their first appearance in Anchorage in nearly a decade.
The U.S. Navy’s Demonstration team last performed in Anchorage in 2016, according to Col. Matt Tarnowski, deputy joint base commander for the Air Force 3rd wing.
Tarnowski said the timing coincides with the nation’s 250th birthday celebration.
“As we look to celebrate the 250th birthday of America, we thought it was time to bring them back,” Tarnowski said. The airshow will also feature an F-22 demonstration team and the Army’s Golden Knights parachute team. Tarnowski said the event is expected to draw upwards of 200,000 people. The three-day event is scheduled for Aug. 7-9, 2026, open to the public on Aug. 8-9.
General entry and parking are free. Col. Stephen Polacek, deputy commander for Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson 673D Air Base Wing, said the show will include paratroopers jumping over the airfield and displays of Army combat assets stationed at the joint base. Attendees will see F-22 Raptors, fighter aircraft that will be flown by the F-22 demonstration team over Anchorage.
Tarnowski said the Blue Angels will fly F-18 aircraft.says the base will feature dozens of static displays spanning 30 acres, containing inventory from the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security, and international partners are anticipated to participate. The event requires about a year of planning and over 100 people from the Air Base Wing and the Third Wing to execute. Polacek said the event serves a purpose beyond entertainment.
“Homeland defense starts here in Alaska, given the flyways coming in from across the Pacific — and to have the community’s trust in us, that they’re well taken care of and protected in Alaska, and as well as the lower 48," he said. Tarnowski said the strategic position of Anchorage allows forces to train and prepare to execute missions anywhere in the world. Tarnowski said this is where it all started for him.
“When I was six years old, I went to my first air show. In 2014, I got to fly as a performer in an air show,” he said.
“And now to be a part of a hosting team for the Arctic Thunder Open House this summer — it really brings it full circle. We’re making the fighter pilots and the airlift pilots of the future right here at JBER.
"“It’s a lot of stress,” he said. “They’re going to be able to do it safely and they’re going to make it look easy, but it’s really hard and truly impressive. ”Anchorage police officer charged with DUI after driving patrol car intoxicated, report saysAnchorage woman appears in court on murder charge in mother’s deathAnchorage florists prepare for Mother’s Day rush as shipping costs riseGuns within Mat-Su Borough Schools? What a change in policy could mean
Air Force Jber Army Arctic Thunder Airshow Golden Knights Air Base Wing
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