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U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, pilots fly in the world-renowned Delta Formation past the New York City skyline. | |
Stars and Stripes |
Published: March 15, 2014
The Navy’s Blue Angels are ready to perform their first air show of the season at Naval Air Facility El Centro, Calif., according to a Navy release.
The flight demonstration team is usually scheduled for 35-40 shows a year, but only flew twice last year due to sequestration. However, the Blue Angels didn’t just sit still. Instead, they refocused thier energy on community outreach, contributing more than 5,000 hours of community service at more than 500 events.
Though air show attendants will generally only see the six acrobatic pilots fly within inches of each other’s wingtips, more than 130 sailors and Marines make up the team with jobs ranging from aircraft maintenance to photography.
Cmdr. Tom Frosch, the squadron’s flight leader, hopes his team can inspire young men and women to pursue a career in naval aviation or the military and aspire to excellence in all areas of their lives.
“Our passion for naval service and naval aviation is the message we wish to convey to young men and women across our great nation and across the globe,” said Frosch in the Navy release.
This marks the Blue Angels’ 68th year performing. The Blue Angels are expected to perform for nearly 15 million spectators in 2014.
The 2014 and 2015 shows schedules are available on the Blue Angels website.
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