JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The U.S. Navy's elite flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, were in Jacksonville Wednesday to talk about plans for an air show coming up this fall.
Two members of the team arrived at Naval Air Station Jacksonville around 8:45 a.m. Lt. Katlin Forster, Blue Angel #8, and Lt. Griffin Stangel, Blue Angel #7, met with NAS Jax representatives about the show, set for Oct. 22 and 23.
"It's incredible," Strangel said. "Just being on the road so far this season, seeing the air shows back 100% fully up and running is absolutely thrilling. I personally feed off energy from the crowd, everybody gets so excited and everybody's just thrilled to be out there watching the show. And it's just energizing every weekend."
Forster talked about what it is like to be a woman on this elite team.
"The women on the team, although we are few, we do represent about the 20% that are in the services," Forster said. "Getting to represent women and showcasing to little girls, and boys really, everywhere, what we all can do is really an honor. And getting to represent is truly a joy for me."
The show is the 69th anniversary air show, and it is open to the public. for more information about the air show, visit NASJaxAirShow.com.
The Blue Angel Flight Demonstration Team originated at NAS Jax in 1946.
There is free admission and parking, no tickets are required to attend. The gates open at 9 a.m., and the show will begin at 11 a.m.
At the NAS Jax Air Show, you can watch a variety of military and civilian demonstrations, enjoy military and civilian aircraft displays, shop at novelty, food and beverage booths, or head to the Kids Zone for games and activities for all ages.
While there will be two ATMs onsite, it is highly recommended that you bring cash with you.