LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
The Navy Blue Angels will be headlining at Lackland's AirFest Nov. 1 and 2 being held on the Kelly Field Annex at Port San Antonio.
A Blue Angels flight demonstration features choreographed skills that all naval aviators must possess. Highlights include four-plane Close Diamond Formation maneuvers combined with displays of high-performance passes by its two solo pilots culminating with a six-plane Delta Formation display.
According to Lt. Col. David Johnson, AirFest director, "This year's AirFest will be like none other ever witnessed at Lackland Air Force Base's historic Kelly Field. The U.S. Navy Blue Angels are the top bill, the professionalism and grace of these aircraft and aviators will be a breathtaking start to the city's Celebrate America's Military week."
The Chief of Naval Operations, Chester W. Nimitz, thought the best way to keep the public's interest in naval aviation after World War II would be to show what Navy aviators could do with their aircraft.
Since June 1946, the Blue Angels stationed at Forrest Sherman Field Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Fla., have performed for more than 427 million fans.
Their team consists of 128 military members - 16 officers and 112 enlisted - that do jobs from avionics to events coordination.
The Blue Angels' aircraft, the F/A-18 Hornet is the first dual-role fighter and attack aircraft. The Blue Angels have been flying the Hornet since November 1986.
Security is Lackland's No.1 priority. Visitors will be prohibited from bringing concealed weapons, ice chests, backpacks, large bags, alcohol, skates, and skateboards. These items must be left in the vehicle. Pets, for the exception of service animals, will not be allowed at this event.
Gates for AirFest will open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the aerial demonstrations starting at approximately 10:30 a.m.
For more information, visit
www.lackland.af.mil/airshow/index.asp.