Blue Angels schedule 5 more June practices at NAS

Blue Angels schedule 5 more June practices at NAS

The world’s best flight demonstration team, Pensacola’s own Blue Angels, will practice onboard NAS Pensacola five more times this month: June, 11, 17, 18, 24 & 25. The NAS Pensacola’s West Gate on Blue Angel Parkway will be open for public access at 9 a.m. on practice days.
Gates to the flight line will open at 9:30 a.m., and the Blues will take off at 10:30 a.m. The team will sign autographs in the Naval Air Museum atrium following most of the Wednesday practices. Admission to the museum’s flight line are both free
Arrive early, as once the museum parking lot and the lot at Pensacola Lighthouse are full, NAS Pensacola will pause entry to the base. Practices are sometimes cancelled for various reasons, including weather. All U.S. citizens or U.S. nationals 18 and older must have a state-issued identification card or passport to enter NAS Pensacola. More info: navalaviationmuseum.org. Other Blues practice sessions, which are every bit as spectacular as the shows are scheduled July 15, 16*, 22, 23*, 29; August 20*, 26, 27*; September 9, 10*, 16, 23; October 15*, 21, 22*, 28, 29*; The * after practice dates indicate autograph sessions following practice.
The outside viewing area for practices is behind the museum. Signs are posted to direct visitors to viewing and parking locations, including limited parking for handicapped visitors. Practices last about 55 minutes. Open bleacher seating is available for 500 people. A limited quantity of chairs are available for a fee of $6 per chair rental. Concessions and merchandise are also available. The Blue Angels Pensacola Beach show is July 12 and the team’s homecoming shows at Naval Air Station Pensacola are Nov. 7-8.
The world famous Blue Angels were formed 1946 to raise the public’s interest in naval aviation and boost Navy morale. In the 1940’s, its pilots thrilled audiences with precision combat maneuvers in the F6 Hellcat, the F8 Bearcat and the F9 Panther. During the 1950’s, aerobatic maneuvers and the six-plane delta formation flown to this day were added in the F9 Cougar and F-11 Tiger. Fat Albert was added as a support aircraft to move personnel and equipment between show sites in 1949.
Other NAS Pensacola entry notes: Coolers are not allowed on base. Also prohibited: Weapons; Backpacks (except diaper bags and medically necessary bags); Boats and boat trailers; Those with felony convictions are not allowed base access. Upcoming shows before the July 12 extravaganza at Pensacola Beach: June 14-15; Ocean City, MD; June 21-22, Belleville, MI; June 28-29, Eau Claire, WI.
Cathy Deal Picture