The Blue Angels call Pensacola Florida home. Known as the cradle of Naval Aviation, Pensacola has a rich history and a strong love for the Blues. Since 1946 the Blues homecoming show has been performed on its base. Due to increased security levels, this year's show was moved to Pensacola Beach. From a photographers standpoint the biggest problem was photographing right into the sun. The list of performers was strong but short. The acts included a B-1 from Kansas Air National Guard, F-14 East Coast Demo Team, A-10 East Coast Demo Team, Bud Light Micro Jet, and of course the hometown hero's the Blues. If you love air shows, and you love the Blues this is the place to be. Out of all the shows I have ever attended I have not quite experienced the enthusiasm and cheering as the Delta approached to open the show. Truly amazing.
The F-14 East Coast Demo team from VF-101 the Grim Reapers came down from NAS Oceana.
Simulated carrier wave-off.
High speed pass.
Changing wings to full sweep for high speed flight.
A few burner shots.
Competing for airspace.
The boy's from Kansas Air National Guard brought in the Bone (B-one). Coming in from behind they surprised the crowd. I think the cheering never stopped during the performance.
Simulated take-off (since the runway was about 5 miles away.
High speed pass with wings fully swept back.
Slow speed pass.
The Flying Tigers brought down their A-10 Thunderbolt II from Pope Air Force Base. Capable of reaching speeds of 420 miles per hour and the ability of shooting coke bottle size armor piercing bullets at a rate of 3,900 rounds per minute the A-10 is one lethal machine.
Misc. performers:
To open the Blue Angels final show of the 2001 season Fat Albert performed his simulated JATO and high speed pass.
The Blues took the stage in the early afternoon. Launching from NAS Pensacola the approached the crowd from the front in the delta formation. Overhead the Boss broke off the solos.
The Diamond and Solos join back-up and form the Delta to perform maneuvers such as the Line A Breast Loop and the Fleur-De-Lis.
The last pass of the 2001 season was dedicated to all the victims of the Sept. the 11th terrorist attacks. The missing man formation.
