There are many aviation enthusiasts that are counting the days until the 2023 Airshow season begins. Maybe it’s the sound of a P-51 formation flying overhead or the loud ripping roar of an F-22 that gives you a chill.
But what makes everyone stop mid-stride and look to the sky? It’s definitely the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron – the Blue Angels.
Airshows across the country are actively planning their individual events for next year. Both the Blue Angels and U.S. Air Force Flight Demonstration Team (aka Thunderbirds) announce their demonstration schedules two years in advance. Each demo teams send two officers to do an onsite visit at the various venues where they will perform the following year. Typically scheduled throughout December, the winter visit lays the groundwork for the operations and logistics support for their entire team at that specific venue.
The nation’s second-largest airshow and convention, the SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo, just had its winter visit earlier this month. Blue Angel No. 7 arrived in Lakeland, Florida mid-morning Dec. 7 with a low-pass and smoke on carrying both Lt. Cmdr. Thomas Zimmerman (No. 7) and Lt. Cmdr. Brian Vaught (No. 8).
Led by the event coordinator, No. 8, the winter visit’s agenda focuses on the preshow planning and coordination of the arrival and support of 65-85 active-duty Sailors and Marines, seven Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornets demonstration jets, and a C-130J Super Hercules cargo plane (Fat Albert) that will perform during one of the 62 flight demonstrations at 32 different locations for 2023.
During the meeting, a 41-page Support Manual with details, diagrams, and checklists is reviewed with the key airshow staff, airport staff, venue staff, and local emergency services representatives in attendance.
The Officers spent a few moments engaging with the media on hand for their arrival. Zimmerman shared “that the team is excited to begin training at the El Centro Naval Air facility in California in January for the 2023 show season.” The squadron will be promoting its first female pilot, No. 3 (Left Wing) Lt. Amanda Lee. It was uncovered that the officers share a love of lacrosse as both lettered in college. When asked who the better player is – Vaught, a University of Colorado alum, quickly pointed to Zimmerman, a U.S. Naval Academy graduate.
Vaught and his team are responsible for working with the staff at each venue to ensure that all the pieces of the logistics and operations puzzle come together prior to the team’s scheduled demonstration dates.
For example – to support the Blue Angel’s aerial demonstrations, airshow staff are required to have primary and backup plans for secure hangar space, fuel, smoke oil, tugs and more. The sailors and marines that travel in support of the demonstrations require hotel rooms, water, ice, workout facilities, transportation, easy access to food, among other amenities. Also included on the winter visit agenda is the review of waivers, FAA regulations, airspace coordination, aerobatic box placement and air show concept and layout.
Recruitment and community outreach are key objectives for all U.S. military demonstration teams. As part of the meeting agenda, initial plans are discussed for unique local recruiting opportunities as well as private events such as meeting with Make a Wish children and the families of fallen heroes.
The United States Navy Blue Angels are beginning their 77th year of showcasing the teamwork and professionalism that inspire a culture of excellence and service to the country through flight demonstrations and community outreach.
Know that when you are looking to the sky in awe of the Blue’s famous Fleur De Lis maneuver, the planning to support their safe participation at that airshow began months before at the winter visit.
Find the complete 2023 airshow schedule for the Blue Angels here.
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