Fighter-bomber aircraft unveiled as Rose City Airfest preps for fifth year, two days of high-flying entertainment

Fighter-bomber aircraft unveiled as Rose City Airfest preps for fifth year, two days of high-flying entertainment

Published 5:45 am Friday, September 12, 2025

The iconic red flat nose and sleek light gray bodice of the FJ-4 “Fury” aircraft peeked into the sunshine as a cart rolled it out onto the Historic Aviation Memorial Museum tarmac. 

To celebrate the Rose City Airfest’s fifth year and entrance into the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce, officials invited the community to a ribbon cutting ceremony and unveiling of the newly restored FJ-4 Fury at HAMM on Wednesday. 

“This year is our first year doing it as a two-day air show because it has grown to such a capacity,” CampV Executive Director Travis Gladhill said. “We are super excited to be out here today.” 

TThe Rose City Airfest, a now two-day annual fundraising airshow set for Oct. 4 and 5, showcases aerial performances and viewing of planes and military aircraft to support CampV (Community Assisting Military Personnel and Veterans), an East Texas nonprofit. All airfest proceeds go back to providing critical resources and services to veterans during and after service, such as emergency financial assistance. 

“The Rose City Airfest is truly a community effort,” Rose City Airfest Chairman Bob Westbrook said. “This event not only showcases incredible aviation, but it also demonstrates the heart of Tyler and East Texas in rallying together to honor and support those who have sacrificed so much for us. Supporting this initiative is one small but powerful way we can give back to those who have given so much for our freedom.” 

The spotlight aircraft of the event, the FJ-4 Fury, is one of the only two FJ-4 to exist in the world. The other aircraft remains at the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida. This U.S. Navy and Marine Corps carrier-based fighter-bomber was in Marine combat from 1954 to 1964, but did not fly in Korea. It took seven years of restoration before it finally saw the light of day at the event. 

“This is really special for the Historic Aviation Memorial Museum,” HAMM member Tommy McBride said.

Gladhill invited Vicki Patzold, CampV’s operations coordinator, to join him during his speech, as Tyler Police Department Officer Bill Steinmiller presented her with a wooden flag to thank the veteran caregivers staff at CampV for their years of hard work.  

Westbrook and Gladhill cut a bright red ribbon, surrounded by members of the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce, staff and guests as the FJ-4 stood prominent behind them. 

Exciting performances are coming for this year’s two-day airshow.

“My favorite part is the performances,” Westbrook said. “It’s the first year we have helicopters, so I’m really excited to see that.” 

The fest will include 19 performances by various aircraft including a UH-60 Black Hawk and AH-64 Apache helicopter for the first time. The event also includes experiences such as ticketed aircraft rides, a Navy flight simulator, and a meet and greet with crews and this year’s Korean War Veteran Honorees, Herb Buie and Nancy Martin. 

“I got to meet a family last year and all three adults had served as pilots in the military and had flown several of the aircraft that had actually performed in our airshow,” Gladhill said. “All of them were staring up in the sky with the biggest smiles on their faces, so being able to provide a fun, safe entertainment for the community while also benefiting our military veterans is a win-win.” 

Gladhill said if the community purchases tickets now they will save around 40% compared to the day-of cost at the gates. On the day of the event, adult tickets will be $50 per person, while tickets will be $5 for children ages 6 to 12 and free for those 5 and under. A military discount is available, bringing day-of tickets to $35 for veterans.

Gates open at 10 a.m. beginning with static displays before the show begins each day at 1 p.m. on Oct. 4 and 5.

For tickets and current pricing information, visit https://www.rosecityairfest.com/. Other information, including a schedule, aircraft lineup and frequently asked questions, is also available at the website.

For more information on CampV, visit https://www.campvtyler.org/.