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For more then 50 years the Blue Angels have amazed crowds with their grace and ability. At the conclusion of every air show season the Blues put on one last show for their community, family and friends. I had the opportunity to photograph the team from a rare behind the scenes perspective. I would like to thank Jeff Reed and the entire Blue Angels for the hospitality.

Whenever you have an object that weighs over 40,000 lbs. you are going to need some heavy equipment to move it, fuel it and keep it safe to fly. Here are just a few vehicles that the maintenance squadron use to keep all six jets in the air. To the far right is the sound cart. Not only does it provide sound to each shows sound system it provides vital communication between the pilots and ground crew as well as typically indicates show center for the pilots.

Before most spectators get onto the field the maintenance staff is hard at work making sure that everything is ready to go for that days performance. This includes checking all control surfaces, instrument gauges and life support. In addition before each performance the aircraft is cleaned like no other aircraft in the world.

When it is performance time all the Blues take the field. The pilots march down to their aircraft and the maintenance personnel and crew chiefs prepare and inspect the aircraft one more time.

Once the Blues take to the runway the maintenance crews prepare for their return.

When ever the Blues take to the air, be it a practice or full show their video personnel are on hand to record all aspects of the show. This information is used for the debrief and for future media needs.

While the six demo pilots are in the air, a lot of additional activities are going on. At the sound cart constant communication is occurring with the pilots and the announcers are busy relaying information to the crowds.

The Blue Angels transport all of their equipment and maintenance personnel from show to show by Fat Albert Airlines. At select show sites a Jet Assisted Take Off or JATO is preformed.

After their performance the all Marine Corp crew pull up and show off the Red, White and Blue!!!!

After the maintenance crews give the thumbs up it is time to get the gear up. The Blues are hands down one of the best demo teams in the world. You will notice that the team is missing one member. The Opposing Solo Major Len Anderson was not able to finish the 2003 season due to an illness. I wish Loni the best in his recovery and hope that he can return for the 2004 season.