OPEN SATURDAY & SUNDAY from 1pm-4pm
Air Shows and expos at nasg
Throughout its 58 years of operations, NASG hosted numerous air shows and expositions, further cementing its connection with the surrounding community.
The Naval Aviation’s own precision demonstration team, the Air Barons, were based in Glenview. They flew in Grumman F9F-6 Cougars and then the Douglas A-4 Skyhawk from 1969 through 1971 with support from federal funding, completing 66 official flight demonstrations. Other world-renowned demonstration teams such as the Blue Angels, the Thunderbirds, and the Patrouille de France also made stops at NASG.
NASG’s air expositions were also immensely popular with the public, where visitors had an opportunity to get a close look at military planes, tour hangars, talk with personnel, and even walk on the runways that were normally off limits. The event drew huge crowds from not only Chicago but also surrounding states, and Chestnut Street even became a dead end at the east gate of the base, which allowed families with children a safe spot to view the base runways.
During the Coast Guard’s time at NASG, they fascinated the public with demonstrations of the air and sea rescue equipment like the Sikorsky helicopter that performed not only water-related rescues but also for unlikely places like smokestacks and water towers. NASG has acquired one of these helicopters, so if you want to take a look, come visit anytime from 1-4PM Saturdays and Sundays!
