There will not be an air show in Rhode Island any time in the near future. On Monday afternoon (1/23), the Rhode Island National Guard issued the following news release:
East Greenwich, RI -- “Due to continued operational challenges, the decision has been made not to continue hosting the air show,” said Maj. Gen. Christopher P. Callahan, the Adjutant General of the Rhode Island National Guard.
The National Guard has been an increasingly operational force since the air show started 30 years ago.
Factors contributing to this difficult decision include our operational tempo continuing to keep hundreds of our forces deployed overseas or involved with critical domestic missions to help Rhode Islanders and the nation. Construction projects are also underway for a large-scale runway, a new Air National Guard headquarters, and an Army Aviation facility on Quonset. With the expansion of Quonset Point/Davisville, there is a more than 40 percent reduction in available parking.
“Our local community is very important to us,” said Callahan. “As we look ahead, we are scheduled to host the second annual Rhode Island National Guard STEM day in October. Last year’s inaugural event hosted 500 local high school students and there are plans to expand this event to students at all levels of education.”
The release goes on to say, "We are grateful for the continued support from our Rhode Island community, interagency, and air show industry partners."
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