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Naval Air Facility El Centro announced the official poster contest for the 2026 Air Show, scheduled for March 14, 2026. The contest is open to anyone 18 or older, with no geographic restrictions. Participants may submit original artwork for a chance to have their design featured as the event’s official poster.
“Last year we had some impressive submissions, and we knew this needed to be a regular part of our airshow planning,” said Kristopher Haugh, public affairs officer for NAF El Centro. “I can’t wait to see what new art will be submitted this year. It’s a way to collaborate with supporters worldwide and celebrate Vraciu Field.”
All entries must be received by midnight PST on Oct. 17, 2025. Participants must submit completed entry and release forms with their artwork via email to NAFECPAO@gmail.com. Entries without the required forms will be disqualified. Multiple submissions are allowed.
The winner will be announced during the Blue Angels Media Day on Jan. 5, 2026, and shared on the base’s official Facebook page. Contest guidelines encourage artists to highlight NAF El Centro, Vraciu Field, the Imperial Valley, and aircraft associated with the base, including the Blue Angels.
Located in the Imperial Valley, NAF El Centro is a key training facility for the U.S. Navy, hosting aviation operations and the Blue Angels winter training season. The annual air show attracts thousands of visitors and highlights both military and civilian aviation.
For more information and contest rules, visit www.elcentroairshow.com/poster-contest.
The air show at Naval Air Facility El Centro has a decades-long history of showcasing military and civilian aviation in the Imperial Valley. Established to highlight the capabilities of the U.S. Navy and its aviation units, the annual event draws thousands of spectators to Vraciu Field. Over the years, the air show has featured a mix of demonstration flights, static aircraft displays, and interactive exhibits, providing the public with an up-close look at aviation technology and naval operations.
The U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels, the service’s elite flight demonstration squadron, have long been a centerpiece of the NAF El Centro air show. The team conducts its winter training at the base each year, allowing them to perfect complex aerial maneuvers before touring nationwide. Their presence not only elevates the air show’s profile but also provides an economic boost to Imperial County through tourism, lodging, and local business patronage.