Blue Angels Thrill Record Crowd At Homecoming Air Show In Pensacola
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” The U.S. Navy Blue Angels drew a record crowd of 110,000 Saturday for their annual Homecoming Air Show at Naval Air Station Pensacola, according to base public affairs staff.
The show started early with civilian air show acts taking off beginning at 9 a.m., building excitement for the early crowd until the Blues took to the skies just after 2 p.m.
Though the early acts included powerful jets, teams of up to 11 aircraft flying in formation, and a woman riding on the wings of a biplane, the signature F/A-18s were the main attraction.
There was an unexpected change to the show a few minutes in, when Blue Angel No. 3, piloted by Lt. Commander Nate Barton landed his plane due to what appeared to be a mechanical issue. Barton’s jet remained on the ground for several minutes while mechanics worked on the plane before rejoining the show in progress. While Barton was down, the Blue Angels’ usual four-plane formations used three jets instead.
Last year’s Homecoming Show was canceled along with most of the team’s 2013 schedule due to sequestration. Having missed the show last year, locals and regional travelers made a point to attend this year’s show. “
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