The Blue Angels fly together in a diamond formation during one of their many maneuvers performed during a recent air show. This air show was the first of 66 different air shows to be performed in 35 cities for the 2007 season. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Omar A. Dominquez)By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Omar A. Dominquez, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Pacific
EL CENTRO, Calif. (NNS) -- The Blue Angels held their first air show for the 2007 season in the Southern California area, March 10.
The Blue Angels play a part in the recruiting program. 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.”
The Blue Angels have more than 66 shows scheduled to appear in 35 different cities for the year of 2007. The F/A-18 Hornet,one of the most advanced aircrafts, marked its 20th year that it 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.”
And from b52hbuff, a report on the season opening El Centro air show:
The Blue Angels held their season opener at NAF El Centro on 3/10/2007. I went to the show armed with my BC-396T and the Monitoring Times Airshow 2006 article. During the practice show (3/9), the following frequencies were found in use:
139.8125/FM BA ComCart
142.6125/FM BA ComCart
237.80
275.35
284.25
305.50 BA "Bert"
346.50
...I took better notes on show day, and the following were active...
237.80 Solos (out of show box)
346.50 "MO" / Maintenance Officer
275.35 Diamond (out of show box)
284.25 Diamond/Solos in show box