The Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, perform at the El Centro Air Show. The show was the first of 35 planned performances for the Blue Angels in 2008. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brian Gaines.(Blog Editor Note: Just a reminder that the March issue of Monitoring Times magazine is on the newstand right now. It contains our annual airshow monitoring guide. If you like monitoring airshows, this is a must have. Check your local newstand or you can order an electronic copy from Grove Enterprises on their website at http://www.grove-ent.com/ or by calling 1-800-438-8155 or 828-837-9200). Don't miss this important issue of Monitoring Times magazine.
EL CENTRO, Calif. (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, kicked off their show season at Naval Air Facility El Centro, March 8.
The El Centro air show is the first of 35 shows the Blue Angels plan to perform in 2008. The show, which also included civilian stunt pilots, military recruiting and the Budweiser Clydesdales, drew approximately 43,000 spectators.
"The key to our survival is support from the community," said Capt. James Hubbard, commanding officer, Naval Air Facility El Centro. "This air show is just one of the ways we can give back to the community of Imperial Valley."
The crowd cheered and applauded as the pilots performed aerobatics with their F/A-18 Hornets.
For many Sailors stationed in El Centro, this air show marked the first time they ever saw the Blue Angels.
"I'm psyched," said Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class (AW/SW) Freddie Ward, who helped with the pyrotechnics. "This is the first time I've ever seen an air show. It's a lot of hard work, but it pays off in the end."
For the Blue Angel pilots, this show is an exciting time for them as well.
"A lot of pride and teamwork goes into what we do," said Marine Corps Maj. Russ Campbell, Blue Angels C-130 Hercules pilot. "It's great to be surrounded by topnotch individuals and to represent the men and women in uniform and show what the armed services are all about."
The Blue Angels were formed after World War II under the orders of then Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Chester Nimitz. This elite squadron has performed for more than 260 million spectators in their 62-year history.