The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, finished out the 2015 season with its annual homecoming air show Nov. 6-7 at Naval Air Station Pensacola (NASP).
An estimated 80,000 enthusiastic fans turned out for the two-day event despite intermittent overcast weather.
Several civilian performers were also featured, and more than 50 military and civilian aircraft were on display.
The mission of the Blue Angels is 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. In 2016, the Blue Angels will celebrate the team’s 70th anniversary. Since 1946, the Blue Angels have performed for more than 484 million fans.
The Blue Angels performed their last show of their 2015 performance season Nov. 7 over Sherman Field. The Blues launched early to avoid the increasing threat of rain. Photo by Bruce GranerBlue Angel jets make a head-on pass Nov. 6. Photo by Mike RichThe Blue Angels trail smoke as they complete a maneuver Nov. 6. Photo by Mike RichVapor forms around the wings of a Blue Angel as the jet streams through the air Nov. 6. Mike RichMembers of the Blue Angels team crouch under the wings of a jet as it prepares to take off Nov. 7. Photo by Janet ThomasFat Albert, a C-130 Hercules that flies with the Blue Angels, takes off during the air show. Photo by Bruce GranerThree Stearman planes complete a flyby to open up the Nov. 6 show. Photo by Mike RichPrecison Exotics presented a race between a Ferrari and a Lamborghini. Photo by Mike O’ConnorNaval Air Station Pensacola Commanding Officer, Capt. Keith Hoskins, speaks to spectators to the Nov. 7 air show. Photo by Janet ThomasA fireball produced by the Shockwave Jet Truck lights up the profile of a Blue Angel on the runway during the Nov. 6 night show. Photo by Mike O’ConnorThe Jack Links Beef Jerky “Screamin’ Sasquatch” jet-assisted Waco bi-plane flies over the Blue Angels as sunset during the Nov. 6 night show. Photo by Mike O’ConnorThe Blue Angels perform the Delta Flat Pass in front of the crowd Nov. 6. Photo by Jamie LInk
Two young visitors to the Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show Nov. 7 use a “selfie” stick and cell-phone camera to photograph themselves inside the front of a Delta Airlines Boeing 757 Pratt-Whitney engine, a photo opportunity afforded them by Delta Airlines employees. Photo by Bruce GranerDeclan Fleming, 6, watches an air show performer Nov. 7, 4. Declan is wearing a hat given to him by his grandfather, retired Navy Capt. Rock Penfold. Photo by Janet ThomasVisitors to the 2015 Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show stroll among the static aircraft displays Nov. 7, the final show of the performance season for the Blues. Photo by Bruce GranerAir show announcer Rob Reider applauds as the Blue Angels take off for the last show of the season Nov. 7. Last September, the U.S. Navy named Reider an “honorary Blue Angel.” He is only the 46th person to receive that honor in the 65-year history of the team. Photo by Janet ThomasBlue Angels Commanding Officer Capt. Tom Frosch gives a thumbs up before takeoff Nov. 7. It was his last flight as part of the Blue Angels team; the change of command was held Nov. 8. Photo by Janet ThomasMembers of the Blue Angels team walk off the field at the end of the show Nov. 6. Photo by Jamie LinkA member of the Blue Angel support team waves a flag from a truck to celebrate the last show of the season Nov. 6. Photo by Janet Thomas
