Known for their impressive air skills and long-standing traditions, the Blue Angels pilots of the United States Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron have a mission to “showcase the pride and professionalism of the United States Navy and Marine Corps by inspiring a culture of excellence and service to country through flight demonstrations and community outreach.” Their first show was at Craig Field in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1946, and the Blue Angels have been stunning crowds ever since! It’s estimated that 11 million people see the air shows each year, not counting the 50,000 people the Blue Angels visit during school and hospital visits.
This November, the Blue Angels will be performing their Homecoming Air Show at the National Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola, Florida. Admission is free, and gates open at 8 a.m. each day. When the show begins at 9 a.m., spectators will be in for a treat! The Blue Angels Flight Demonstration team will fly at 2 p.m. and sign autographs after. Along with the amazing flying skills, the Homecoming Air Show includes static aircraft displays, food and drink, vendor booths, attractions, and virtual reality experiences! There is even a Kids’ Zone that features virtual games and a bungee jump.
What to bring
Air shows are very loud, so those with young children are encouraged to bring protection for their ears. Layers of clothes help protect against the wind on the tarmac, and blankets and chairs are allowed. You can also bring small camera and diaper bags, but coolers, backpacks, pets, food, and drinks are not allowed.
Blue Angels aircraft
Over the years, the Blue Angels have flown more than 10 different aircraft. They originally flew four aircraft in the “Diamond” formation and then began flying six aircraft to include solos and precision formation flying. Today, the Blue Angels fly the Boeing F/A-18 Hornet and the Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules with their own modifications, including an inverted fuel pump, a smoke-fluid system, a stop watch, an adjustable constant-tension stick spring, and the Blue Angels paint scheme.
Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show
November 7 – 9
National Museum of Naval Aviation
1750 Radford Blvd
Pensacola, FL 32508
850.453.2389
If you need a great place to stay while you’re in the area, check out our condos and beach houses near Gulf Shores, Alabama. Instead of staying near the traffic of Pensacola, you can stay in the peaceful town of Fort Morgan. Enjoy the beautiful beaches of Fort Morgan, along with the many activities in the area, before heading to Pensacola for an exciting show!
