Millville 2024 airshow grounded without F-22 Raptor as star
MILLVILLE — The 2024 Millville Wheels & Wings Airshow set for the summer is canceled after failing to secure a U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor as its headline act.
The airshow, which takes place every two to three years, is the prime fundraiser for the Millville Army Air Field Museum. The "Wheels" in the title refers to many vehicles showcased at the event.
This year’s event was to take place on July 21 and 22.
The museum, founded in 1984, is set up in World War II Army buildings from the Millville airport early days as a national defense base and a fighter pilot training site. Museum volunteers always have included World War II airmen.
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“It was the decision that was the best for our museum,” museum airshow Director Lisa Jester said about Tuesday's announcement. “And as the airshow director, it’s a hard decision. But you can’t jeopardize the closure of our museum over an airshow without a headliner. That’s the bottom line.”
Jester said an F-22 Raptor was the star of the last airshow, held in 2021, and was supposed to return this July. But the Air Force tasked it to another location, she said.
“So, we were going after a Navy demo team to try to get that in here,” Jester said. “But we couldn’t do it.”
Jester said the museum asks every year to be considered to host the Navy Blue Angels team, the Air Force Thunderbirds team, or other jet demonstration units. Both the Angels and Thunderbirds are past Millville performers.
“The MAAFM would like to thank its many community friends for their continued support and patriotism,” the museum announcement stated. “As we look forward to a Millville Wheels & Wings Airshow in 2025, we salute our U.S. military and veterans for their service to our country in keeping us safe and preserving our freedom.”
The museum announcement also cited difficulty securing sponsorships to underwrite the July program.
David Schultz Airshows LLC produces the MAAFM airshows. Its operator said the cancelation will be put to use preparing for next year.
“Many of the performers that were scheduled for 2024 are expected to be at the 2025 event,” David Schultz said. “The airshow is the largest fundraiser for the museum.”
The museum has a large collection of authentic military uniforms and gear.
Joe Smith is a N.E. Philly native transplanted to South Jersey 36 years ago, keeping an eye now on government in South Jersey. He is a former editor and current senior staff writer for The Daily Journal in Vineland, Courier-Post in Cherry Hill, and the Burlington County Times.
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This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Millville July airshow cancelled, Air Force says no to Raptor
