WALLOPS ISLAND, Va.- Wallops Island: The home of the NASA Flight Facility and was the launching point for Jonathan Bauer’s ride in the sky Friday.
A ride only fit for heroes who go above and beyond. His rescue of a two year old from the Assawoman Bay in May earned him a seat in a jet plane for a fun flight.
"It was amazing," Bauer said. "I mean you’d be surprised at how smooth the plane flies and you’re not working the pedals. It’s more or less the joystick and then the plane is kind of taking over and compensating. "
Advanced pilot Major Jason Markzon says Bauer was amazing both in his heroic act and as a co-pilot flying over Ocean City.
"There was no fear in his heart going flying and I put him through the ringer," Markzon said. "We went rolling. We pulled some G’s. We did some loops and he crushed all of it."
After Bauer’s flight, the Thunderbirds started to recharge for rehearsal this afternoon in preparation for the Ocean City Air Show. Director of Public Relations Chris Dirato says it feels normal again to have the show in June this year when it was held in August last year because of COVID-19
"Things have significantly gotten better as we all know," Dirato said. "We do have stay safe and separate initiatives that are in place that will remain in place. Those that are interested in seeing the details of those initiatives they can visit ocairshow.com."
The Ocean City Air Show begins at Noon on Saturday and Sunday. The Thunderbirds will headline as the final performer and are scheduled to begin at 2:30 p.m. both days.