Military Officer - February 2006 - (Page 23) rapidfire NEWS YOU CAN USE Flying High for 60 Years T he Blue Angels have been entertaining crowds and inspiring new generations of fliers with their amazing maneuvers for 60 years. The Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron will begin its 60th season at Naval Air Facility El Centro, Calif., March 11, and will conclude Nov. 11 at NAS Pensacola, Fla. The Blue Angels are scheduled to perform 70 demonstrations at 36 air show sites throughout the United States, Canada, and the Netherlands during the 2006 season. They fly the F/A-18A Hornet and perform approximately 30 maneuvers during a one-hour aerial demonstration. Officials say performances help Navy and Marine Corps recruiting and retention goals, enhance esprit de corps among servicemembers, and demonstrate the professional skills and capabilities of the armed forces to the American public. “The Blue Angels are fired up and ready for a safe and exhilarating 60th anniversary show season,” says Cmdr. Steve Foley, Blue Angels flight leader and CO. The Blue Angels performed their first flight demonstration in June 1946 after Adm. Chester W. Nimitz, chief of Naval Operations, ordered the formation of a flight demonstration team at the end of World War II to keep the public interested in naval aviation. Since then, they have flown for more than 260 million spectators. ON THE WEB ■ For a complete schedule, visit www.blueangels.navy.mil. Let’s Get Together MOAA will hold its 2006 Annual Meeting Saturday, Nov. 18, at the Doubletree Hotel Crystal City, 300 Army Navy Dr., Arlington, VA 22202-2891. Members will receive reports on the condition of the association and other matters of current interest. Watch this space for more details as they become available. PHOTOS: ABOVE, COURTESY U.S. NAVY; LEFT, PUNCHSTOCK FEBRUARY 2006 MILITARY OFFICER 23 http://www.blueangels.navy.mil
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