LOOK, UP IN THE SKY

SOUTHERNMOST AIR SPECTACULAR FEATURES BLUE ANGELS & MORE APRIL 15-16

The Southernmost Air Spectacular, presented by Naval Air Station Key West, roars through the sky on Saturday, April 15 and Sunday, April 16 for a weekend show that helps celebrate 200 years of the Navy in Key West. The naval aviation showcase of power and precision features more than a dozen flight demonstrations by civilians, military and the worldfamous U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels.

“It’s an honor to welcome the Blue Angels back to Key West this year, on the 200th anniversary of the establishment of a Navy base in Key West,” said Capt. Beth Regoli, commander of NAS Key West. “Our staff, both military and civilians, have worked hard to present the best family-friendly event we can offer our neighbors and community.”

The event dates back to 1946, when the Blue Angels Squadron was established to raise public interest in naval aviation and boost Navy morale. More than a hundred years prior in 1821, Key West businessman John W. Simonton set the runway when he lobbied for a naval base on the island. Its location was strategic and pirates were a problem.

By April 1823, a naval base was established at what is now known as Mallory Square, with Capt. David Porter and his Mosquito Fleet putting law, order and safety into action. The nation’s southernmost naval base at Trumbo Point – now a state-of-theart training facility for air-to-air combat fighter aircraft of all military services – was established six years after U.S. Naval Avia- tion began in 1911. Within a few decades, it was well-integrated with the Navy’s mission to protect and control the seas and a cornerstone of American global military power.

Seventy-seven years later, they are still steadfast in their mission of creating a culture of excellence and service to the country through flight demonstrations and community outreach. The 138 members of the Blue Angels are selected from more than 800,000 people in the Navy and Marine Corps, epitomizing the impeccable ethic, professionalism, precision and teamwork found there. They perform at 32 locations across the country, wowing millions with maneuvers used in aerial combat while flying the most technologically advanced aircraft in the world.

“We look forward to inviting the community onto our airfield so that together we can enjoy all our remarkable military and civilian performers, as well as view each of the magnificent aircraft up close, and witness the incredible maneuvers the Blue Angels execute with precision,” Regoli said.

FLIGHTS & DEMONSTRATIONS

- National Anthem – 11 a.m.

- Aftershock Jet Fire Truck

- Bill Stein – Edge 540

- H60 SAR Demo

- Legacy Flight – F/A-18 & Corsair

- AeroShell Aerobatic Team

- Rob Holland – MXS

- Precision Exotics vs. Rob Holland

- F-5 Demo

- Skip Stewart – PTS2

- AfterShock vs. Skip Stewart

- F-35 Demo

- Rob Holland & Bill Stein

- U.S. Navy Blue Angels: 2:30 p.m.

The free, day-long event includes displays of nearly three dozen aircraft, including the combat-proven F/A-18 Super Hornet, the Marine Corps’ premiere logistics support aircraft, and the C-130J Super Hercules (aka “Fat Albert”), food and beverage booths, aviation-specific merchandise, Southernmost Air Spectacular swag, and a ticketed Kids Zone with inflatable rides, slides, a bungee jump and bounce houses.

Limited upgraded VIP and Preferred seating with a full-service bar are available for $149 and $49. Gates open at 10 a.m. Flights begin at 11 a.m. Blue Angels fly at 2:30 p.m.

The hot tarmac can cause heat exhaustion and sunburn — stay hydrated and bring sunscreen, hats and/or umbrellas.

To learn more about volunteering, contact naskw.mwr.fct@navy.mil or call 305-2932503.

For more information, visit www.airshowkeywest.com.

— Contributed