Quonset Air Show To Return In May

After a one-year absence, the Quonset Open House and Air Show will return in May, the Rhode Island National Guard announced Thursday. Among the acts due to perform at the May 17-18 event are the ever-popular U.S. Navy Blue Angels.

Other headliners are the U.S. Army Special Operations Command Parachute Team, the Black Daggers, aerobatic pilot Sean D. Tucker, Rob Holland Ultimate Air Shows, Julie Clark Air Shows, John Klatt Air Shows, the Flash Fire Jet Truck, the Geico Skytypers, and demos of the P-51D Mustang, the A1E Skyraider, and the FM2 Wildcat.

“Since 1991, the Rhode Island National Guard has participated in the premier Open House / Air Show in the northeast,” said Maj. Gen. Kevin R. McBride, Adjutant General of the R.I. National Guard.

“On behalf of the outstanding men and women of the RI Guard, I am extremely pleased to announce the return of this well-attended event, showcasing our organization and all of the dedicated people who make it happen," he said.

“The Pentagon has decided to resume its military community outreach programs, but pared down the number of events significantly in light of new budget realities,” said Guard Lt. Col. Peter Parente said. “The sequestration cuts in 2013 led to the cancellation of a significant number of military outreach events nationwide. The resumption of appearances by the military's jet and jump demonstration teams is only possible because of the significant reduction in the number of events from 2013 that resulted in a savings of $104 million in fiscal year 2014 and will increase in savings over the next decade.”

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