Over 300,000 Watch The Show That Included The Blue Angels

Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville (Jax) hosted an air show featuring the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, and 13 other military and civilian aviation acts at its airfield, Oct. 24-26.

The air show broke previous NAS Jax air show attendance records with more than 297,000 people and 2,100 boaters attending during the three-day event.

"I didn't know what to expect a year out when we started planning for this," said NAS Jacksonville Commanding Officer Capt. Roy Undersander. "It is really eye opening to see it all come together."

Undersander said that the effort the base put forth exceeded his expectations.

"My expectation was to present a quality air show that was conducted safely for our community to enjoy," he said. "I think the NAS Jax team did all of it with great class."

According to Undersander a lot of effort was put into moving air show traffic off base in a timely manner.

"I'm very proud of our base security force as well as the 11 state and local law enforcement agencies that supported this event. When you have more than a quarter million people attending an event you can expect delays. I want our community to know how much we truly appreciate their attendance and continued support of our armed forces.

"All the performers who helped make the air show possible, and the many agencies involved said this was one to the best air shows held in the nation," he continued. "I am very pleased with the upbeat and high-caliber performance delivered by the military and civilian personnel here at NAS Jax. They worked around the clock to pull it off. Additionally, the tenant commands teamed up with us to stage another first class event starring the Blue Angels.

The execution of an event that has thousands of moving parts gives the American public the opportunity to understand why America's Navy is a global force for good. Celebrating the sights and sounds of freedom is NAS Jax's way of giving back to the city of Jacksonville and surrounding communities that are so supportive of the military men and women.

To many of the attendees the weekend was an exciting blur of activities that enabled them to swap flying stories, as well as talk with Air Force and naval aviators, Marines and National Guard teams, and talented civilian pilots. The exhilarating performances and interesting static displays attracted huge crowds. Although today's Navy Flight Demonstration Team, the Blue Angels, performed the same diamond formation as they did in 1946 when the squadron was established at NAS Jax, they continue to thrill spectators of all ages.

Mike McCool, NAS Jax Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) operations manager said, "The logistics of getting all the food concessions, displays and entertainment together is a total group effort. We have a lot of people in MWR who are behind the scenes that have made this whole event so successful."

Nearly 4,000 public school students and Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps cadets visited the station for the air show dress rehearsal, Oct. 24.

"For many students in the five surrounding school districts, this may be their first trip to an air show to watch the Blue Angels perform their thrilling aerial gymnastics," explained NAS Jacksonville School Liaison Dawn Mills. "We appreciate the support from all area superintendents and school principals in facilitating field trips for their students in order for them to enjoy this exciting outdoor show."

"Having the Clay County Teacher of the Year Matthew Boyack, an Orange Park High School (OPHS) teacher, go flying with the Blue Angels generated a lot of interest," Mills said.

"Watching the OPHS principal, faculty and students on the airfield as they had their pictures taken next to the F-18 Hornet aircraft and cheering their teacher was an unforgettable moment and a first aboard NAS Jax," Mills added.

Middleburg resident Wanda Rodriguez attended the show with her family.

"It's a spectacular, wholesome family event that never fails to entertain and stir our support for the U.S. Navy," said Rodriguez. "We're lucky to have this free event that showcases the prowess and commitment of America's military. My family and I had a great time and plan to be back in 2016."

This year's air show guests of honor were the Gold Star Mothers and Families who carry on with pride and resolve despite unthinkable loss.

The 2014 NAS Jax Air Show will go down in naval aviation history books as the most memorable three-day event for military and civilian aviation enthusiasts in Northeast Florida.

(U.S. Navy Images)

FMI: www.navy.mil