“America’s Air Show” returns with a boom

SAN DIEGO (KGTV) – The country's largest air show returns with a boom this weekend.

All the explosions that light up your face during the Miramar Air Show require months of preparation.

The Marine Air-Ground Task Force demonstration showcases Marine Corps capabilities as fighter jets fly overhead and combat vehicles full of Marines drive through plumes of explosive-triggered smoke.

The magic behind the smoky explosions is the Miramar Bomb Squad.

“We have some demolition materials here that we use for the air show,” said Staff Sgt. Luke Thomas, an EOD technician.

Thomas has been a Marine for 11 years and has worked as an explosives technician for almost half of his career.

“If you come to the air show the day of the air show, you will have 800 feet of 5-gallon fuel bags in front of us,” Thomas said, referring to the famous “wall of fire.”

The same detonating cord is used to detonate the large bomb.

“Right now the team here is cutting the detonating cord, so they're going to roll it up,” he said.

It's his second air show and Thomas said a lot of planning goes into making sure people have the best experience possible.

“It's very rewarding. The first time I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but when I saw the kids how happy they are. The parents, they are active duty or civilians, they just see what our country, our Navy air and ground task force can offer,” he said.

Future military members will likely be in the crowd, and Thomas tells them not to be afraid and to give it a try.

“It's one of the best decisions I've ever made in my life. “I wouldn’t be where I am today if I hadn’t taken that first step forward, and I can’t imagine ever having done anything else,” he said

Air show guests will be able to meet the Miramar Bomb Squad at the event as they will have a static display at the show.

For more information about the Miramar Air Show, which takes place September 27-29, visit