“America's Air Show” returns with a bang

SAN DIEGO (KGTV) – The country’s largest air show is making a comeback this weekend with a bang.

All the explosions that light up your face during the Miramar Air Show require months of preparation.

The Marine Air-Ground Task Force demonstration showcases the capabilities of the Marine Corps as fighter jets fly over the heads of Marines and combat vehicles filled with Marines drive through clouds of smoke caused by explosive devices.

The magic behind the smoky explosions comes from the Miramar Bomb Squad.

“Here we have some of the demolition materials we use for the air show,” said Staff Sgt. Luke Thomas, an EOD technician.

Thomas has been in the Navy for 11 years and has spent almost half his career as an explosives technician.

“If you come to the air show on air show day, you'll find 800-foot-long, five-gallon fuel bags,” Thomas said, referring to the famous “wall of fire.”

The same fuse is also used to ignite the large bomb.

“The team here is cutting out the fuse. So they're going to roll it up,” he said.

It is his second air show and Thomas said a lot of planning goes into making sure people get the best experience possible.

“It's very rewarding. The first time I was not sure what to expect, but when I saw the kids, I realized how happy they are. The parents, whether active duty or civilian, just see what our country, our Marine Air-Ground Task Force, has to offer,” he said.

Among the people will probably be future military personnel and Thomas tells them not to be afraid and to go for it.

“It's one of the best decisions I've ever made in my life. I wouldn't be where I am today if I hadn't taken that first step, and I can't imagine ever having done anything else,” he said.

Guests of the air show will be able to meet the Miramar Bomb Squad at the event as they will be present with a static display.

For more information about the Miramar Air Show, September 27-29, visit https://miramarairshow.com.