Detroit Red Wing Soars with Blue Angels

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Joseph R. Wax, Naval Recruiting District Michigan Public Affairs

DETROIT (NNS) -- The Navy's Flight Demonstration Squadron (Blue Angels) provided a member of the National Hockey League's (NHL) Detroit Red Wings with the rare opportunity of a backseat ride in an F/A-18C Hornet, in Belleville, Mich., July 20.

Justin Abdelkader, Red Wings forward, was one of three individuals granted a 45-minute flight by the Blue Angels who were in town for the Thunder Over Michigan Air Show at Willow Run Airport July 23-24, during Detroit Navy Week 2011.

For Abdelkader, the ride with the Blue Angels fulfilled a dream he has had since childhood.

"Just like making the NHL, I grew up dreaming about being a jet pilot," said Abdelkader. "This is the top for me. Growing up, I was always fascinated by the Blue Angels."

Abdelkader grew up in Muskegon, Mich., and attended Michigan State University before joining the Red Wings.

"This is an unbelievable opportunity," he said. "It is an honor to get to go up there and experience it."

Abdelkader was able to see first hand the type of physical conditioning it takes to be a naval aviator.

"It was unbelievable; the (gravitational force) put on your body," said Abdelkader. "On the takeoff we shot straight up. You take the (gravitational force) right away. I was in and out a few times."

Lt. Dave Tickle, Blue Angels pilot and narrator, was the pilot for Abdelkader's flight. He said being a professional athlete certainly helped Abdelkader in the cockpit.

"He did phenomenal," said Tickle. "Of course being a top-notch athlete, he knows how to control his body."

"A lot of times, I didn't even know which way were going," said Abdelkader. "I was so focused on the breathing technique, I had no idea."

Chad Scaling, a local metro Detroit school administrator, and James Staley, an Indianapolis area school administrator, were also giving flights in the Hornet.

Afterward, Tickle presented Abdelkader, Scaling and Staley with commemoration lithographs celebrating their flight with the Blue Angels during the Centennial of Naval Aviation. Abdelkader likewise presented Tickle with a personalized Detroit Red Wings jersey.

Detroit Navy Week 2011, one of 21 Navy Weeks being held across American this year, began July 18 and ran through July 24. Sailors from USS George Washington (CVN 73), USS Michigan (SSGN 727), Naval Recruiting District Michigan, Naval Operational Support Center Detroit and the Navy Office of Community Outreach attended events throughout the city to raise local awareness about the U.S. Navy and its worldwide role as a global force for good.

Navy Weeks are designed to showcase the investment Americans have made in their Navy and increase awareness in cities that do not have a significant Navy presence.