Blue Angels Talk to Media Before NAS Oceana Air Show

By Aviation Structural Mechanic Airman Lenea Johnson, Naval Air Station Oceana Public Affairs

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- Members of the Navy's Flight Demonstration Team, the Blue Angels, spoke to local media Sept. 23 before the start of the 2011 Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana Air Show, which ran through Sept. 25.

Both pilots and enlisted crew members answered questions about what it's like to be part of the Blue Angels and offered advice for those who would like to join the prestigious team.

For Marine Maj. Brent Stevens, who flies left wing, being part of the Navy's Flight Demonstration Team is much more than just taking to the skies at shows such as the annual Oceana Air Show, which this year celebrates the Centennial of Naval Aviation.

While the Blue Angels' talent in the air is witnessed by millions every year, Stevens believes the most rewarding part of being a Blue Angel takes place on the ground.

"We visit schools and volunteer at hospitals and community events. We serve as representatives of the Navy and Marine Corps for those communities that do not have a military presence," he explained.

Originally from Knoxville, Tenn., Stevens has been a Marine for 15 years. Prior to applying to the Blue Angels, Stevens was an F/A-18 instructor and decided to take his training to the next level.

He says performing at military bases, especially at air stations where the sight and sound of military jets is a part of everyday life for those who live nearby, is an exciting challenge.

Stevens is very familiar with Oceana, having been stationed here from December 2002 to November 2003 with the "Gladiators" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106.

"There is a rush when flying in front of your peers and showing what the team can do. It's exciting everywhere we go, but it's great to be back in Virginia Beach," said Stevens.

He encourages Sailors and Marines who admire the Blue Angels to apply to join the team and emphasizes that the selection process for the Blue Angels pilot starts with a commission.

"A degree in aeronautics is not required. We have English literature majors on the team; the military will train you how to fly. Pilots fly a two-year rotation, so there will always be a need for talented pilots to follow in our footsteps," he said.

The next stop for the Blue Angels is Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif. Stevens explained that traveling is a large part of the job and being away from his family is challenging. His family includes his wife and 2-year-old daughter Riley, who already loves air shows and shouts "Daddy plane" whenever she sees an airplane.

While the Blue Angels pilots perform at air shows around the nation, they could not fly without the skilled maintainers who take care of their aircraft. Aviation Electronics Technician 1st Class (AW) James Buchanan, a Blue Angels crew chief, explained the importance of his job with the prestigious team.

"We come out every morning before the pilots and make sure all systems are operating properly. A crew chief is the first and last person to look at the aircraft each day," Buchanan said.

Crew chiefs are responsible for ensuring the aircraft are properly serviced and that any part not in perfect condition is detected and corrected promptly. Blue Angels crew chiefs are initially assigned an aircraft but are trained to work on every aircraft that performs. They also complete the pre- and post-flight inspections that keep both the F/A-18 Hornet and C-130 flying.

Originally from Toxey, Ala., Buchanan has been in the Navy for eight years and with the Blue Angels for the past year. Buchanan offered advice for those interested in being a part of the prestigious Blue Angels team: "Get your education and stay away from the wrong crowd. We're waiting for you."

The Blue Angels have performed for more than 427 million spectators since their inception in 1946. They fly the same aircraft and perform the same maneuvers as Navy combat pilots flying over Afghanistan and operating off flight decks of aircrafts carriers worldwide.