Naval Air Station Jacksonville Air Show Draws Record Crowds

By Clark Pierce, Naval Air Station Jacksonville Public Affairs

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (NNS) -- Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville, Fla., held its 27th air show Oct. 23-24, celebrating the 70th anniversary of the station.

More than 277,000 people attended the air show, which featured the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Team, the Blue Angels.

"This was an outstanding and memorable week for military and civilian aviation enthusiasts in Northeast Florida," said NAS Jacksonville Commanding Officer Capt. Jeffrey Maclay. "From everyone who worked diligently to organize the event to the roster of exhilarating of performers and interesting static displays – the commands of NAS Jacksonville teamed up to stage another first class air show starring the Blue Angels. There's no doubt in my mind that this was a huge crowd pleaser."

The air show's guest of honor was 91-year-old Alfred 'Al' Taddeo, the last living member of the original Blue Angels team that was established at NAS Jacksonville in 1946. Taddeo and his wife, Joan Taddeo, flew from their home in California to be guests of NAS Jacksonville and the Blue Angels.

In addition to speaking at air show receptions, Taddeo was front and center for each Blue Angels performance. After the final Blue Angels performance Oct. 24, Taddeo said he really felt a kinship with the Blue Angels in the air show.

"They perform their close diamond formations just the same as our 1946 Blue Angels team. But when you add the two solo pilots to the mix, today's team is just spectacular," said Taddeo. "This week has been an exciting blur of activity. Swapping stories with the Blue Angels pilots and crew, as well as talking with Air Force aviators, military parachute teams and talented civilian pilots was truly a special pleasure for me."

"The people here have been fantastic – especially Capt. Maclay, XO (Executive Officer) [Capt. Bob] Sanders and our tour guide, Ron Williamson. I think this was the most thrilling day of my life, because I'm getting to the age where an event like this makes me a little emotional. Joan and I sincerely thank everyone in Jacksonville who showed us such hospitality," said Taddeo.

Maclay gave special recognition to the NAS Jacksonville air show team, led by 2010 Air Show Coordinator Cmdr. Rob Surgeoner.

"Celebrating the sights and sounds of freedom is our way of giving back to the city of Jacksonville and surrounding communities that are so supportive of our military men and women," said Maclay. "And I couldn't be more proud of our 2010 NAS Jax Air Show team – from those who scheduled the performers to those who set up exhibits and those who cleaned up after each day's events. Teamwork and preparation were key to a successful air show."

"I salute everyone for their outstanding execution of an event that has thousands of moving parts. It's a great opportunity for the public to understand why America's Navy is a global force for good," said Maclay.

More than 4,000 public school students and Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) cadets visited the air station Oct. 22 for the air show dress rehearsal.

"For many of our students, this may be their first trip to an air show and their first experience seeing the Blue Angels perform their thrilling aerial demonstrations over NAS Jacksonville," said Ed Pratt-Dannals, superintendent of Duval County Public Schools. "We appreciate the commitment of the Navy and NAS Jax Air Show organizers to providing our students with this exciting opportunity."

Retired Master Chief Steve Waddell attended the event with 50 Navy JROTC students from Mandarin High School.

"This is a great time to get up close to aviation legends like the Blue Angels. There's so much for our kids to see and do – this is a not-to-be-missed opportunity," said Waddell.

Gregg Rutter, a Fleming Island resident, has attended every air show since 1999.

"It's a spectacular event that never fails to stir my sense of patriotism. We're lucky to have this free event that showcases the people and technology of America's military. I particularly enjoyed the Fat Albert C-130 demonstration that begins each Blue Angels flight," said Rutter.