(Contact: Epoch 5 Public Relations)

Bethpage, NY– Considered unmatched by any known fighter jet in the U.S. Air Force, Bethpage Federal Credit Union and New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historical Preservation are pleased to announce that the U.S. Air Force’s F-22 Raptor will join the lineup to the 2012 Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach taking place Memorial Day Weekend, May 26 – 27, 2012.

With its last and only other Bethpage Air Show performance back in 2008, area residents and air show enthusiasts will be treated to a one-of-a-kind air performance by the Air Force’s newest fighter aircraft.  The F-22’s sleek aerodynamic design, advanced flight controls, increased and unmatched thrust and high thrust-to-weight ratio allow the F-22 to cruise at supersonic airspeeds and outmaneuver all current and project aircraft.  Fans will witness precision aerial maneuvers demonstrating the unique capabilities of the world’s only operational fifth-general fighter aircraft.

“We are thrilled to welcome back the renowned F-22 to the Bethpage Air Show lineup.  Tri-state area residents are in for a treat with an exciting, elite lineup of performances,” said Rose Harvey, Commissioner, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historical Preservation.

To date, the following world-class performers are scheduled to perform at this year’s show:

Military performers confirmed to date include: United States Navy Blue Angels, Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds, U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor, United States Army Golden Knights Parachute Team, The United States Navy F18 Super Hornet, 106th New York Air National Guard Rescue Demo Wing HC-130/HH-60, and the WWII B-17 Flying Fortress. Civilian performers confirmed to date include: American Airpower Museum Warbirds, GEICO Skytypers, Sean D. Tucker – Team Oracle, Lt. Col. John Klatt – National Guard Reserve, Matt Chapman, David Windmiller, and Ed Hamill, who will fly the Bethpage Bi-Plane.

The Bethpage Air Show will be held Memorial Day weekend 2012 at Jones Beach State Park, Wantagh, NY, on Saturday, May 26, 2012 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM and Sunday, May 27, 2012 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM. The Air Show is free to the public, but the standard $10.00 vehicle use fee will be collected each day upon entry to the State Park. For 2012 NYS Empire Passport holders, there is no vehicle use fee charge.

For up-to-date information about this year’s show, please visit www.facebook.com/jonesbeachairshow or contact Jones Beach State Park at 516-785-1600.

Bethpage Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative, existing solely to serve its members and has experienced rapid growth in recent years to become a strong alternative to banks. Bethpage was approved for the largest federal community charter in the U.S. in 2003 and now is Long Island’s largest credit union and leading community financial institution with over 194,000 members, 25 branches and 60 shared service center locations throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties.   As a financial cooperative, Bethpage offers better rates, lower fees and a full menu of personal and commercial financial services.

Bethpage maintains branch locations in Bay Shore, Bay Shore King Kullen, Bethpage, Central Islip, Commack King Kullen, Elmont, Farmingdale, Freeport, Glen Cove, Hempstead, Huntington, Levittown King Kullen, Lynbrook, Massapequa, Melville, Mineola, North Babylon, Patchogue, Port Jefferson, Riverhead, Seaford, Smithtown, Roosevelt and Westbury with over 350 surcharge-free ATMs in King Kullen, 7-Eleven, Walgreens and Costco locations throughout Long Island. For more information, call 1-800-628-7070 or visit www.lovebethpage.com.