Blue Angels: A Legacy in the Sky

A Childhood Spark: First Encounters with the Blue Angels

Centurions in the sky...the Blue Angels have been demonstrating aerial maneuvers all around the world for 75 years. They were created to inspire youngsters to get their wings in the Navy. The team soon became much more than that—they produced pride in the United States and in the Navy as well.

Personally, I first encountered the Angels while in the sixth grade during recess. For a brief second, I caught a glimpse of the golden helmet of the pilot flying at tree-top level in an F-4 Phantom. The next opportunity I took to see them was during middle school when I told my mom I was "sick" and had to stay home. Later in the day, I hopped into a rowboat and paddled my way to the middle of the Severn River in anticipation of seeing them way down the river toward Annapolis. I must have read in the Evening Capital that they were coming to town that day. I remember being treated to a glimpse of the team in formation, heading straight up into the sky.

From Schoolyards to the Skies: A Lifelong Fascination

My next encounter was while I was in college. I was able to get to the Academy grounds to see the entire show with the smaller but nimble Skyhawks. Upon my graduation, a friend and I did the same—only this time, it was with the newly acquired F-18s, which demonstrated a new level of technology and performance.

Through the years, my fascination with the Blue Angels never faded. They remained a symbol of precision, skill, and inspiration—just as they had been when I first glimpsed that golden helmet in sixth grade.