U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels Are Back For The 2018 Vero Beach Air Show This Weekend

U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels Are Back For The 2018 Vero Beach Air Show This Weekend

Report by Kat Duesterhaus

U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels Are Back For The 2018 Vero Beach Air Show This Weekend
— Vero Beach, FL.

Thursday morning, April 19, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels landed at Vero Beach Regional Airport. As a first time Blue Angels spectator, I was ready to be thrilled and they certainly did not disappoint me.

Commanding Officer Doyle, “Boss,” was rock steady — which is exactly what you want from the man who leads 17 Naval officers who voluntarily serve with the Blue Angels.

And it is not surprising, as Boss had to have at least 3,000 tactical jet flight-hours and have commanded a tactical jet squadron before he qualified for the role of Commanding Officer. Commanding Officer Eric Doyle flys the Number 1 jet, leading the team by the cadence of his voice.

I asked Boss if he practiced meditation to get in the zone before their high speed precision flights, and he shared that the team does indeed do something similar in their briefing. In a very regimented, calm, and quiet briefing the team syncs up by chair-flying, enacting their moves as lead by Boss

The Blue Angels have flown for more than 450 million spectators worldwide. And while in town the team visits hospitals, schools, and attends community functions.

“The hope is that tomorrow’s leaders will be encouraged and motivated by what they see in the performance, and all the men and women that make up the Blue Angels.” — U.S. Navy Blue Angels

Which is exactly what Petty Officer Brandon Bates from nearby Cocoa Beach, Florida said was most the memorable thing that has happened in his first 6 months. Petty Officer Bates shared feeling humbled after meeting members of a Boy Scouts troop in El Centro, California during his first show as a member of the Blue Angels.

The Vero Beach Air Show will be Petty Officer Bates’ third, and special because for the first time his parents will be in attendance. His job is to makes sure the Number 5 jet is safe.

Check out the 2018 Vero Beach Air Show’s Facebook event page here.

Tickets for the 2018 Vero Beach Air Show are $25 at the gate. Parking is $10 in all lots.

 

Next up: 1st Medical Marijuana Dispensary Opens in Vero Beach

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