NAS JAX Air show officially kicks off!

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The NAS JAX Air Show is back, and some folks got to preview the action today.

All vendors were in place, and so were all the airplanes, choppers and jets.

“It’s always awesome to come to see our impressive navy aircraft,” said Petty Officer Aaron Lee.

A major draw each year: “The Blue Angels,” said one boy.

“I’ve never seen the Blue Angels before so I’m excited to see them,” added 17-year-old Marcus Lee.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Blue Angels preparing for NAS JAX Air Show

Petty Officer Aaron helped bring 54 cadets from Middleburg High School’s NJROTC, including his own son, Marcus.

“It feels awesome to see them hyped up about it!” Aaron pointed out.

At NAS JAX, where the Navy Blue Angels got their wings in 1946, they’re unveiling these F/A 18 Super Hornets.

Bigger and louder than ever before, they performed on Friday afternoon. But you can watch their impressive aerobatics all weekend.

“To see them fly and do other formations is pretty awesome,” Aaron described.

Aside from the Blue Angels, there are several other aircraft here that you can check out at the air show. You can take pictures in front of them, or maybe even hop aboard. Right across the way, there are virtual simulations that’ll give you an idea of what it’s like in the U.S. Navy. Maybe you can even try your hand at the Navy pull-up challenge!

But don’t forget to save your energy. You’re going to need it when these performers take to the sky, where they won’t just fly in planes - but jump out of them, too!

“I personally feed off the energy from the crowd, everybody’s so excited,” said Lieutenant Commander Griffin Stangel, Pilot of Blue Angels #7.

“That’s what keeps us going, really. When we see the smiling faces of children, and just the awe of what we can do,” added Brian Abe, Maintenance Officer for the Blue Angels.

“We’ll be cheering them on from down here,” Aaron promised.

“We’re gonna make sure we’re all cheering out there, screaming out for them so they can hear us,” his son Marcus echoed.

That air show is from Saturday, October 22, through Sunday, October 23, at NAS JAX. There is no fee for admission or for parking. Gates open at 9 a.m. and the show starts at 11 a.m.

The grand finale is at 3 p.m.

For more information, you can go to: NASJAXAirShow.com

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