SAN DIEGO -- One-on-one time with the pilots of two elite aerial demonstration teams is an exhilarating, once-in-a-lifetime experience for an aviation aficionados.
The U.S. Navy Blue Angels and the Canadian Forces Snowbirds met with members of the community for an evening of special exhibitions and hors d’oeuvres at the San Diego Air and Space Museum Sept. 29.
The sailors, Marines and Canadian airmen met with guests and toured the museum’s aviation landmarks, like the replicas of the Spirit of St. Louis and the Apollo 9 capsule. Although the Blue Angel F/A-18 “Hornet” exhibit in the museum was enticing for the guest, what really made the evening special for them was talking with and meeting the pilots.
Many of the event patrons were military and aviation veterans, like Robert Ratliff, a docent at the Air and Space Museum and a retired U.S. Navy pilot, who flew during the Battle of Guadalcanal in World War II. Learning about the accomplishments of these men and sharing war stories was the highlight of the evening for some of the demonstration pilots.
“They are the pioneers of naval aviation,” said Maj. Nathan Miller, the Blue Angels lead solo pilot. “That’s humbling. It’s very unique to meet those folks that have forged where we are today.”
After a look around the museum and conversations in the lobby, the guests made their way out to the “Pavilion of Flight” for hors d’oeuvres by candlelight under a PBY-5A Catalina Flying boat, an F-4 “Phantom” II and an AH-1 “Cobra.”
Although the demonstration teams show their real talents during live aerial performances, these one-on-one gatherings with the community are an important part of their mission as well. A major purpose of these events is to aid in recruiting for the Blue Angels.
However, these kinds of meetings have a slightly different purpose for the Snowbirds. “It gives us an opportunity to come to the U.S. and demonstrate Canadians as professionals,” said Capt. Dan Rossi, the Snowbird’s advanced and safety pilot.
“It’s also good to talk with people in the community because it gives them the opportunity to share our enthusiasm for aviation.”
Although the pilots travel across the country most of the year, the time they put into meeting with people in each community is an indication of their professionalism and dedication toward their mission and countries.
“It’s absolutely phenomenal,” said Dave Stall, an Army veteran attending the event, “We have the best pilots in the world – bottom line.”
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