“The Guide says there is an art to flying", said Ford, "or rather a knack. The knack lies in learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss.” ~ Douglas Adams, Life, the Universe and Everything

In the latter part of our Florida winter this year, we stayed at the condo of friends, located in Perdido Key, in Florida's panhandle. Endless miles of beautiful beaches; falling asleep to the sound of waves every night; good food, and good company.  On Saturday I will bring you a few shots from where we stayed. Today however, I bring you The Blue Angels. I had heard of the Blue Angels before, but have to admit that I didn't have much interest. The fact that they are housed, and practice at the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, not 10 minutes from where we were, had us feeling that we really ought to take advantage of our proximity, and go see a practice. I'm so glad that we did - it was thrilling! We were among hundreds of people, of all ages - all enthusiastic.

"A total of 16 officers voluntarily serve with the Blue Angels. Each year the team typically selects three tactical (fighter or fighter/attack) jet pilots, two support officers and one Marine Corps C-130 pilot to relieve departing members.

The Chief of Naval Air Training selects the "Boss," the Blue Angels Commanding Officer. Boss must have at least 3,000 tactical jet flight-hours and have commanded a tactical jet squadron. The Commanding Officer flies the Number 1 jet.

Career-oriented Navy and Marine Corps jet pilots with an aircraft carrier qualification and a minimum of 1,250 tactical jet flight-hours are eligible for positions flying jets Number 2 through 7. The Events Coordinator, Number 8, is a Naval Flight Officer (NFO) or a Weapons Systems Officer (WSO) who meets the same criteria as Numbers 2 through 7. The Marine Corps pilots flying the C-130T Hercules aircraft, affectionately known as "Fat Albert," must be aircraft commander qualified with at least 1,200 flight hours.

Career-oriented officers specializing in maintenance, administration, aviation medicine, public affairs and supply fill support positions. The Blue Angels base their selection of officers on professional ability, military bearing and communication skills. Blue Angels officers are well-rounded representatives of their fleet counterparts.

Demonstration pilots, the Events Coordinator, Maintenance Officer and Flight Surgeon serve two years with the squadron. The other officers typically serve three years with the team. Blue Angels officers return to the fleet after their tours of duty." 

Notice that two are upside down!

Quite spectacular!