Marks 20th Year Team Has Flown F/A-18

The famed US Navy Blue Angels aerial demonstration team held their first air show for the 2007 season March 10, in the Southern California area.

The Blue Angels play a part in recruiting for the Navy. They attract many young, talented and ambitious people for the armed forces by publicly demonstrating the skills and abilities of Naval aviators.

"It involves lots of preparation," said Lt. Cmdr. Kevin Davis, a pilot for the Blue Angels. "As soon as the previous season ended in November 2006, the new 2007 team immediately began training for upcoming events."

As Aero-News reported, the Blue Angels have more than 66 shows scheduled to appear in 35 different cities for the year of 2007. It is the 20th year the F/A-18 Hornet, one of the most advanced aircraft in the Naval fleet, has been performing with the team.

"When we do air shows, the audience is always excited to see us," said Aviation Ordnanceman (SW) 2nd Class Amani Brown, crew chief for the Blue Angels. "It also helps with the recruitment program."

Every team member brings their own skills in a distinct job, but is expected to contribute to the overall effectiveness of the Blue Angels.

"Here at the Blue Angels, our biggest concept is team work and we help each other with every little aspect," said Brown. "It’s just a tremendous honor to be a member of the Blue Angels and we are excited to start the 2007 season."

The air shows are one-day events that take a lot of planning and training to prepare for their performances.

"I have been watching the Blue Angels for about 20 years and their performances [get] better every year," said George Ferguson, a fan of the Blue Angels. "These guys do a phenomenal job and it’s a great representation for the armed forces."

(ANN salutes Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Omar A. Dominquez, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Pacific)

FMI: www.blueangels.navy.mil/