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Partners With Edwards Air Force Base

Partners With Edwards Air Force Base

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Los Angeles County Air Show, Inc. Partners With Edwards Air Force Base

Brig. Gen. E. John Teichert, 412th Test Wing Commander, and Mike VanKirk, Los Angeles County Air Show Board President, met at Edwards Air Force Base on Sept. 26 to begin working toward solidifying a formal multi-year partnership to conduct air shows at William J. Fox Airfield and Edwards Air Force Base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Don Allen)

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (October 22, 2018) – The Los Angeles County Air Show, Inc. Board of Directors and senior leadership at the 412th Test Wing, Edwards Air Force Base, have agreed to begin working toward solidifying a formal multi-year partnership to conduct air shows in the region.

This partnership paves the way to resume air shows at Edwards Air Force Base. The last public air show at the base was in 2009.

October 18-20, 2019 at William J. Fox Airfield, Lancaster, Calif.;

October 15-17, 2021 at William J. Fox Airfield, Lancaster, Calif.;

“We’re very excited to put Edwards Air Force Base back on the air show map as “the center of the aerospace testing universe,” said Brig. Gen. E. John Teichert, 412th Test Wing Commander. “This partnership provides an amazing opportunity to inspire and educate adults and youth throughout the entire region and to showcase to the American people what we provide to the war fighter. Edwards is committed to supporting the Antelope Valley community with the air show at Fox Field in 2019 and at our base in 2020.”

According to the Los Angeles County Air Show Board President, Mike VanKirk, “As we entered into the 6th annual event planning stages, the leadership team at Edwards Air Force Base reached out to open a dialogue about working in tandem on future air shows.”

VanKirk also said, “We were thrilled to start the conversation, and it quickly became apparent that a formal partnership would provide unique opportunities on several levels. The unbridled passion and commitment we all have in bringing awe inspiring “in the air” performances, static displays and educational STEM experiences to this community, will truly deepen the fan experience.”

This premier air show launched in 2014 at William J. Fox Airfield with participation by several aerospace companies, numerous community sponsors, Los Angeles County 5th District, and the City of Lancaster. During the past five years, the air show has featured premier U.S. military flight demonstration teams including the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, U.S. Navy Blue Angels, F-22 Raptor team, and numerous premier aeronautical performers, Heroes and Legends discussion panels, and provided STEM scholarships to local youth.

VanKirk went on to say, “With the William J. Fox Field runway construction upgrades scheduled to be in full swing first quarter of 2019, it made sense for our Board of Directors to re-evaluate the timing of the air show. As our strategy session progressed, the conversations with Edwards Air Force Base evolved and a partnership made perfect sense. It’s a natural fit and we are delighted with the opportunities that will make this world class air show even better for 2019 and beyond.”

Edwards AFB: A Storied Venue for Aviation Enthusiasts

Edwards Air Force Base has long been synonymous with the cutting edge of aerospace technology. Known as the center of the aerospace testing universe, Edwards has been the proving ground for legendary aircraft such as the X-1, X-15, and the space shuttle. The base's vast dry lakebeds and restricted airspace provide an ideal environment for high-speed flight testing and large-scale public events. With a rich history of air shows that once drew hundreds of thousands of visitors, the return of public events to Edwards represents a homecoming for aviation fans across Southern California.

The last public air show at Edwards took place in 2009, and since then, the Antelope Valley community has eagerly awaited the opportunity to once again witness aerial demonstrations from the historic runways. The partnership with the Los Angeles County Air Show, Inc. is a strategic move that not only revives this beloved tradition but also ensures that the event can leverage the strengths of both locations—the accessibility of William J. Fox Airfield and the storied backdrop of Edwards AFB.

How the Multi-Year Partnership Will Work

Under the emerging agreement, the Los Angeles County Air Show will operate as a collaborative effort between the nonprofit board and the 412th Test Wing. While specific operational details are still being finalized, the concept calls for alternating show locations between William J. Fox Airfield and Edwards Air Force Base. This approach allows organizers to reach different audience segments and provides a variety of experiences for returning attendees.

Key elements of the partnership include:

  • Shared planning and resource allocation for air operations and ground displays.
  • Coordination of military and civilian performers to create a diverse lineup.
  • Joint marketing and community outreach to maximize attendance and impact.
  • Integration of STEM education initiatives across both venues.

By working together, the partners can streamline logistics, reduce costs, and enhance the overall quality of the air show. The 412th Test Wing brings unparalleled expertise in flight operations and base infrastructure, while the Los Angeles County Air Show contributes its established brand, sponsor relationships, and volunteer network honed over five successful years at Fox Field.

Elevating STEM Education and Community Engagement

One of the cornerstone missions of the Los Angeles County Air Show has always been to inspire the next generation of aerospace professionals. Through its STEM program, the show has provided scholarships and interactive exhibits that ignite curiosity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The partnership with Edwards AFB amplifies this mission by giving students and families unprecedented access to real-world aerospace testing environments.

At Edwards, attendees can expect to see not only aerial demonstrations but also static displays of experimental aircraft, research vehicles, and cutting-edge technology developed by the Air Force and its industry partners. The base's educational outreach teams, including those from the Air Force Test Center, will work alongside the air show's STEM coordinators to create hands-on activities, career panels, and mentorship opportunities. This collaboration ensures that the air show is more than just entertainment—it becomes a catalyst for workforce development in the region.

What This Means for Future Air Shows

The formalization of a multi-year partnership signals a new era of stability and growth for the Los Angeles County Air Show. By securing a long-term agreement, both organizations can plan further in advance, attract top-tier performers, and invest in infrastructure improvements that benefit the entire Antelope Valley. Fans can look forward to a rotation of venues that keeps the event fresh and exciting.

Moreover, the return to Edwards AFB carries symbolic weight. It underscores the Air Force's commitment to public engagement and transparency, while also honoring the legacy of the brave test pilots and engineers who have pushed the boundaries of flight. As Brig. Gen. Teichert noted, the partnership will "showcase to the American people what we provide to the war fighter," and that mission will be on full display for years to come.