Blue Angels Prepare For Star-Spangled Spectacular
BALTIMORE (WJZ)-- Add screaming jets to bombs bursting in air. The Navy's Blue Angels roared over Baltimore on Thursday, readying for their part in this week's Star-Spangled Spectacular.
Alex Demetrick reports.
For the Blue Angels, Thursday flights over Baltimore and Fort McHenry are a warm-up act. A way for pilots to familiarize themselves with landmarks, obstacles and airspace for a full show this weekend.
But for those on the ground, even though it's practice think it's something special.
"It's beautiful," said a woman.
"I think it's awesome. I've never seen them before," another woman said.
She should see them from the cockpit. The video inside there shows not only precision flying just feet apart, but the twists and turns that flips Earth and sky.
"Oh it's wonderful. These guys are as professional as you can get, and for them to be here at this historic event is just wonderful," said Scott Price, a spectator.
Spectators aren't the only ones excited about this aerial tribute.
"Oh absolutely. I mean anything you can connect to our military history is something special. So to be part of this event is a terrific opportunity," said Captain Tom Frosh, Blue Angels team leader.
But for the pilots, who seem to even walk in formation, getting off the grounds takes a back-up team of mechanics and technicians. Some are even from Maryland.
"We fly them pretty hard everyday. They break very often, and as soon as they come back we're all over them," said George Thiess, a Bel Air native.
To make sure they not only fly, but fly as safe as possible.
The Blue Angels will be performing Saturday and Sunday between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
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