The skies above South Beach roared last weekend as the Hyundai Air & Sea Show came back to Miami Beach for its annual Memorial Day celebration. It is sometimes called “The Greatest Show Above the Earth,” as the event is a combination of military demonstrations, aviation performances, and tributes to members of the United States Armed Forces. It started in 2017 to honor the military while teaching the public about aviation technology and military operations.
Throughout the weekend, many advanced military aircraft performed over the Atlantic Ocean, including the F-16 Fighting Falcon, the F-15 Eagle, and the Navy’s F/A-18 Super Hornet. Many of the demonstrations showed high speed maneuvers, vertical climbs, and coordinated flyovers to show the capabilities of modern aviation. Helicopters such as the UH-60 Black Hawk also appeared in simulated rescue missions near the shoreline.
“The Air & Sea Show is more than just fun,” shared ILS junior Camila Echeverri “It was made to show the dedication and sacrifice of the men and women who serve our country.”
One of the most anticipated performances came from the U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team, whose members descended onto the beach carrying American flags. The event also had powerboat racing and military equipment displays along Ocean Drive, allowing people a closer look at the technology.
ILS Junior Ashley Gomez said. “When people watch an F-16 at full speed, they’re seeing decades of engineering and pilot training in action. These shows help to connect people with the progress in military aviation.”
The air show has grown into one of Miami Beach’s biggest Memorial Day events, drawing attention from aviation enthusiasts across the country. Some say the educational aspect is one of the show’s main goals, especially for younger audiences who might be interested in working in aviation or the military.
“For students who dream about flying, this can be inspiring,” said ILS junior Maria Nordholz “Seeing these planes up close makes those careers feel real and in reach.”
The event ended Sunday evening after two days of aerial demonstrations over South Beach.
