The Blues

Today we had the opportunity to go to the local air show. It started out looking like it was not going to be a great day for an air show but by the time we had driven to base the clouds had cleared and the sun was out..we even have the tan lines to prove it. We went armed with sunscreen, ear plugs, water bottles, ready to have a fun day in the HOT Oklahoma sun. I know I mentioned this a few days ago, but I am telling you it can get really hot in Oklahoma, temperatures over 100 are not that uncommon. It is dry heat...right? Dry or not, it is hot.

The kids all love to go to air show they love to tour the planes, sit in the cockpits(esp. Daddy's), but the best part of all is watching the planes fly, that is after all what they were made to do. We had the privilege of having the U. S. Navy's Blue Angel Flight Demonstration Squadron as the headliner today. "The Blues" do not often come to Oklahoma, so this was a special treat. We are a Navy family stationed at an Air Force base so it is great to have some fellow shipmates aboard NAS Tinker. :) I don't know what it is but I just feel like a kid again when I watch these guys fly. They do some amazing maneuvers all the while making it look so easy. Some of our non-military friends came along with us today. I was so proud to show them around the flight line, I am actually shocked that I know the difference between a F16, F/A-18, C-130, KC135, C17, E6, E3, I could go on and on, but I won't. Air shows and Change of Commands are probably two times that I am brimming with patriotism the most.

It was a very hot day and were all drenched(and that is not an exaggeration) with sweat. We were all thankful for the water stations set up where you could refill your water bottles, hose your kids off, or both. It was a great way to beat the heat while we were waiting for the Blues.

The time we were all waiting for finally arrived. The Blues took center stage. And as usual...they never disappoint. The level of professionalism and expertise that is displayed by the Blue Angels is inspiring. We stayed around after the show and got autographs and thanked them for an amazing show. The kids even got to take a picture with the CO Blue Angel #1.

Seven weeks ago today, 21 April 2007, there was a accident near Beaufort, South Carolina and LCDR Kevin "Kojak" Davis Blue Angel #6 was killed during an air show. The Blues took a week off to remember their fallen angel and refocus and then they went right back to their jobs. I so appreciate their dedication to our country in promoting the Navy and Marine Corps Aviation. We remember LCDR Davis for his service to our country by making the ultimate sacrifice. You can see a video tribute to him below.