Action News Jax reporter flies with Blue Angels

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Blue Angels is the U.S. Navy's elite flying demonstration team. The F-18 Hornet can go two times the speed of sound.

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Jacksonville is the birthplace of the Blue Angels, which was formed in 1946.

Cary Rickoff, a Blue Angel, took Action News Jax reporter Bridgette Matter on the ride of a lifetime.

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The jet has two afterburning engines and can break the sound barrier, which Rickoff did on the flight.

Rickoff flew the jet inverted, doing maneuvers you see in the Blue Angels Air Show.

The intense ride forces you to do what is called a "Hick" maneuver, clenching your thighs and saying "Hick" to keep the blood flowing.

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Rickoff landed in Blue Angel's style, pulling 6.5 Gs.

"The carrier break you experienced, we pulled about 6.5 Gs and that is six and a half times your body weight pulling down on you." Rickoff said.

Blue Angels are physically compared to professional athletes, because the flights have such an intense effect on the body.

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