F-22 Raptor, F-16 Viper, U.S. Army Golden Knights And More Headline Show

The first ever Cocoa Beach Air Show is expected to draw thousands of visitors to Florida's Space Coast October 3rd and 4th, with high-flying military and civilian acts performing over the Atlantic Ocean.

Free and open to the public, the event will be visible from the beach with the show center at Alan Shepard Park in Cocoa Beach. The demonstrations will start at noon both days, allowing spectators to see acts such as the F-16 Viper Demo, U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team, the 920th Rescue Wing and a special appearance by the U.S. Air Force's newest fighter, the F-22 Raptor.

"We have managed to bring together some of the very best air performers in the country for the inaugural show," said Bryan Lilley, president of the Cocoa Beach Air Show. "Everyone from serious aviation and military enthusiasts to first-time air show attendees are going to be impressed by the collection of aerial talent on display."

The F-22 Raptor is considered the most advanced fighter aircraft in the world. It combines the best in stealth and maneuverability making it capable to perform both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.

Also performing will be the locally-based 920th Rescue Wing. Stationed at Patrick Air Force Base, the 920th is the Air Force Reserve Command's premier combat search and rescue unit. Their missions include locating and recovering U.S. Armed Forces personnel during military operations, rescue support for NASA Space Shuttle missions, search and rescue support for civilians lost or in distress and lending support in humanitarian, and disaster relief operations such as Hurricane Katrina.

Attendees will observe first-hand how the citizen Airmen of the 920th deploy into a combat zone, support the NASA missions, refuel two helicopters simultaneously while in flight; and how they respond to massive humanitarian efforts when nature strikes like the work they did during Hurricane Katrina.

The event is expected to fill Brevard's beaches for the weekend.

"We anticipate this to be a great family-friendly event," said Space Coast Office of Tourism executive director Rob Varley. "With unobstructed views, plenty of space for seating, beautiful sand and cool water, the beach makes the ideal venue for watching an air show. It will be a weekend full of affordable and exciting entertainment."

While in the Space Coast area, aviation and military enthusiast also should consider spending some time at two of the area's top attractions: Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum and the Kennedy Space Center.

FMI: www.cocoabeachairshow.com