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I feel the need for speed! That's such a familiar line from Top Gun; the 1986 American action drama that was inspired by an article titled "Top Guns", published in California magazine three years earlier. We still feel the need for speed, and the Blue Angels did not disappoint this weekend. These flying marvels took to the skies again for their first appearance in two years as they flew high above Jones Beach. The weather on Sunday was picture perfect for the air show, and the beach was packed with people of all shapes and sizes. From small, swirling planes doing dramatic acrobatics, to parachute jumpers swooping just below the clouds, to roaring naval jets flying up to speeds between 120mph to 700mph, there was something to thrill everyone.
The Blue Angels is a flight demonstration squadron of the United States Navy. Formed in 1946, the unit is the second oldest formal aerobatic team (under the same name) in the world, after the French Patrouille de France formed in 1931. The team, composed of five Navy and one Marine Corps demonstration pilot, fly Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornets. The Blue Angels typically perform aerial displays in at least 60 shows annually at 30 locations throughout the United States and two shows at one location in Canada. The "Blues" still employ many of the same practices and techniques used in the inaugural 1946 season. An estimated 11 million spectators view the squadron during air shows from March through November each year. Members of the Blue Angels team also visit more than 50,000 people in schools, hospitals, and community functions at air show cities. Since 1946, the Blue Angels have flown for more than 505 million spectators.
Time seemed to slip away as we walked down the beach to find a spot in the midst of record crowds. Since there hasn't been an air show since 2019, this year was special, and all of the elements came together for an exhilarating day on the beach. The next time you feel the need for speed, go watch some planes take off. The Blue Angels won't be back for another year, but planes are always just an airport away. When you're a jet, you're a jet!
Peace and Love,
Skylark
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I am a columnist with Skylark Live Town News (SLTN) and write short, poetic articles geared to the 60 and beyond population. Topics include human interest, nature, general observations, inspiration, music, and events in and around Bay Shore. I also write about restaurants and stores I've been to in the area. You can also watch my first Monday-of-the-month vlog, “60 and Beyond with Skylark" on my YouTube Channel, Skylark Live, that features my articles from SLTN. Please subscribe to my free STLN newsletter that gets delivered directly to your email each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. To support SLTN, you can make a recurring monthly donation ($5 Friend or $15 Advocate) or a one-time donation of any amount. It's up to you, and it's easy to do on my feed. You can also advertise your business or event here as well. Please follow me on YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn under my brand, Skylark Live. Thank you for your support.
