After a year off, the world famous Blue Angels will perform at air shows in Jacksonville for the next two years!
Their shows this year will be on October 22 and October 23, and next year in 2023, they will take place on October 21 and October 22.
PHOTOS: Blue Angels practice in Jacksonville in 2021
After a short 45 minute flight from Pensacola, Lieutenant Kaitlin Forster, Blue Angel #8, and Lieutenant Griffin Stangel, Blue Angel #7 touched down at NAS Jax, where the Angels got their wings back in 1946.
“This is where we had our first show 76 years ago,” Forster said.
“It’s pretty incredible to be back here at the start of the Blue Angels,” Stangel said.
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Both lieutenants are preparing for their first airshow shows after they were canceled last year during the pandemic.
“Seeing the air show is back 100 percent, fully up and running is absolutely thrilling,” Stangel said with a smile.
And you’re going to see some thrilling new additions, too! You’re going to see the FA-18 Super Hornet, which is 33% larger than the legacy hornets in previous shows. It’s also the most flown aircraft in the Navy’s carrier aviation.
2019 STORY: Action News Jax reporter flies with Blue Angels
“It’s the only aircraft I’ve ever flown with the Navy,” Stangel said.
“[You] have that more controllability and maneuverability at all air speeds,” Forster said.
“You see what the pilots can do, what they’re training to do overseas,” Stangel said.
2020 STORY: The Blue Angels delivered on special salute to frontline workers in Jacksonville
And you better believe those pilots will be looking right back!
“I personally feed off energy from the crowd,” Stangel said. “Everybody’s so excited!”
These skilled pilots are hoping to inspire others to chase -- or fly -- after their dreams.
2018 STORY: Flying with the Blue Angels: Here’s a look from the cockpit
“It is just an adventure of a lifetime,” Forster said of her career. “Really, no matter how old you are, just starting with those small goals, working on them each and every single day, can lead to great success.”
“Find something you’re passionate about and get a little better at that thing every day,” Stangel said. “And to be honest, I got the best job in the world! My favorite part of flying is getting shot off the front end of a carrier and there’s nothing like it in the world, and I wouldn’t trade that for anything.”
The 69th anniversary air show in October is open to the public. For more information about the upcoming air show, go to www.NASJAXAIRSHOW.com
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