Blue Angels return to NAS Pensacola

NAS PENSACOLA, FLA. --- The Navy’s Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, will close the 2008 season at their annual Homecoming Air Show aboard Naval Air Station Pensacola on November 14th and 15th.
    This year along with the world famous Blue Angels F/A-18 Hornet performances, the Blues’ C-130 Hercules transport also known as “Fat Albert” will demonstrate a Jet Assisted Take Off (JATO) with the help of solid fuel rockets.
    Other potential military performers include the F-16 Fighting Falcon,  F/A-18F Super Hornet, and an F-86 Sabre.
    The Blackwater Parachute Demonstration Team will make a jump above the show and Training Air Wing SIX will feature a fly-by with wing training aircraft.
    Tentatively scheduled for both days will be extraordinary aerobatics by performers such as Jan Collmer flying the Fina Extra 300L, Frank Ryder piloting his Oreck Cyclone and Julie Clark will be pushing her Beechcraft T-34 to its limits.

   Otto the helicopter will amaze the crowd with his antics and family-oriented entertainment and the Alisport Silent-J Jet Sailplane will gracefully glide through its choreographed performance.  There will be several fly-by appearances of various aircraft and Kent Shockley will roar down the runway in the 36,000 horsepower Shockwave Jet Truck.
    Along with the incredible flying demonstrations, more than 50 military and civilian aircraft will be on display. These static displays include the FEDEX Airbus, as well as aircraft ranging from the present day, state of the art jet fighters to aircraft from the 1930s.     
    Gates will open at 8 a.m. with the shows starting at 9:45 a.m.   Both shows are open to the public.  Admission and parking are free. Areas will be reserved for the physically challenged.  Food, beverages and memorabilia will be available at numerous concession stands.  Pets, coolers and smoking are not permitted.
    Security personnel and signs will direct spectators to parking areas near the show site.  Visitors are encouraged to use the West Gate (Blue Angel Parkway) to ease traffic congestion.
    For more information, contact the NAS Pensacola Public Affairs Office at (850) 452-3100, ext 1539, 1540 and 1534.