Blue Angels to perform homecoming show
PENSACOLA — The Navy’s Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, will close the 2011 season at their annual Homecoming Air Show at Naval Air Station Pensacola on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 11 and 12.
Prior to the world famous Blue Angels F/A 18 Hornet performances, the Blues’ C-130 Hercules transport known as “Fat Albert” will thrill the crowd with its short field take-off and low level passes.
Other potential military performers include the F/A Super Hornet Tactical Demonstration Team from the “Gladiators” of VFA-106, and a mock fire power demonstration by an Air Force A-10 Warthog.
The Panhandle Parachute Demonstration team will make a jump above the show and Training Air Wing SIX will feature a fly-by of training aircraft.
Tentatively scheduled for both days are performers including Jan Collmer, flying the Fina Extra 300L; David Martin, who will pilot his Brietling CAP 232; and Skip Stewart, who will amaze the crowd in his highly modified Pitts S-25. Bob Carlton will maneuver his Super Salto jet sailplane overhead and Bill Leff will excite everyone with the roar of a radial engine in his T-6 Texan.
A replica of the first aircraft to take off from a ship, the Ely-Curtis Pusher, will take to the air and numerous warbird aircraft will perform. The Geico Skytypers will fly their six WWII vintage SNJ-2s as they deliver aerial messages to the crowd. Kent Shockley will roar down the runway in the 36,000-horsepower Shockwave Jet Truck.
More than 50 military and civilian aircraft will be on display. These static displays will include the EA-18G Growler, a C-17 Globemaster, an A-26 Invader, an EA-6B Prowler and various other aircraft, ranging from the present day, state-of-the art fighters to aircraft from the 1930s.
In addition to the scheduled Friday and Saturday shows, there will be a special night show beginning at 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 11 only. Aircraft will light up the sky with full afterburner and pyrotechnics.
Admission and parking for all shows is free. Areas will be reserved for the physically challenged. Food and memorabilia will be available at numerous concession stands. Pets and coolers are not permitted.
Security personnel and signs will direct spectators to parking areas near the show site.
Additional information on the show, bleacher, box and Flight Line Club seating can be obtained at http://naspensacola-mwr.com.
