On Saturday, August 18th, 2018 I attended the Chicago Air and Water Show. I brought my Canon 5D Mark IV and 100-400mm L II lens to photograph the event. I arrived about 15 minutes early. I found a good place to stand on the first breakwater North of North Avenue Beach among a dozen or so other photographers. The weather was overcast and with mild temperatures in the mid 70s.
The show opened with the National Anthem while a Navy Paratrooper carried the American Flag through the sky. This was followed with fireworks.
The US Coast Guard demonstrated an advanced water rescue by lowering a diver from their MH-60 helicopter. They then lowered a basket down to a boat below. After raising the basket, they brought the diver back up to the helicopter. I think the demonstration was to simulate the ability to transfer rescued persons back up to the helicopter for quick transport.
A pair of A-10 Warthogs performed impressive maneuvers followed by a mock mid air refueling demonstration with one of the A-10s following closely behind a KC-135 Stratotanker.
The F-35 Lightning made the most impressive entrance by circling high and wide, then surprising the crowd by approaching fast and low from behind with a loud sonic boom.
The appearance of a P-51 Mustang along side the F-35 Lightning was a nice surprise.
The Aeroshell Acrobatic team performed loops in tight formation with their colorful AT-6 Texans. These along with the P-51 Mustang mentioned above were the most impressive propeller driven planes.
The Chicago Fire Department Helicopter and Boat demonstrated a water rescue by dropping a dummy into the water followed by 2 divers. The divers “rescued” the dummy by bringing it to the boat where it was pulled on board.
For the final act, The USAF Thunderbirds performed in impossibly tight formation with their F-16s.
See the full gallery below.
Bret Miller Photography 