NS Mayport Volunteers Make Blue Angels Air Show A Success

Naval Station Mayport Commanding Officer, Capt. Aaron Bowman said that the weekend's air show was one of the best that he had ever been to and he was proud of Mayport's participation in the event.

"This was our opportunity to join forces with the city of Jacksonville and show the residents all that we do," he said.

Base volunteers helped man the beverage booths in support of USO and their MWR funds.

"The volunteers have been amazing," said Mayport USO Director Wendy Pollack. "Commands like HSL-44 have really stepped up to the plate to help out with this event. It has been one of the most successful air shows that we have participated in. We worked with HSL-44, HSL-40, NAVSTA, Air Ops, Harbor Ops and the Coast Guard sector. The ground crew was amazing too. All those Sailors from Naval Station really worked hard to keep the event clean and fun. They were courteous and I never heard them complain."

U.S. Marine Corps Silent Drill Team mingle with a U.S. Naval Sea Cadets Unit from Bushnell, Fla. after their performance at the 2007 Sea & Sky Spectacular. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Toiete Jackson

HSL-60 Command Master Chief Fred Prindle said that the squadron manned the Johnsonville Brats booth and were able to raise a lot of money for their MWR fund through sales and tips.

"I am extremely proud of our NS Mayport Sailors for all the hard work that they put in on their own time," said NS Mayport Command Master Chief Deborah Davidson. "Without them, I don't believe that the air show could have been as successful as it was. This was my first air show at Mayport and I thoroughly enjoyed it."

"I have been involved in many air shows and this year was the most organized and delightful to be a part of," said Chief Boatswain's Mate Jeff Winkler of NS Mayport. "I would personally like to thank the volunteers, military and civilian, for their never waving, great attitude throughout the air show. Their dedication made the show enjoyable for all."

The air show portion of the event included "fly-bys" by Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard aircraft, as well as civilian aerobatic performers.

The Sea and Sky Spectacular's grand finale was a 45-minute performance by the Navy's premier flight demonstration squadron, The Blue Angels.

ive-year old Daniel McCullum proudly display his Blue Angels outfit a the 2007 Sea & Sky Spectacular. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Toiete Jackson

Marine Corps Maj. Nathan Miller, #7 pilot of the Blue Angels, presents Brian Schneider, catcher for Washington Nationals baseball team, a tape of his flight in one of the Blue Angels F/A-18 Hornets after his flight. Sneider described his flight as amazing, intense and the coolest thing ever. The Blue Angels are in Jacksonville, Fla. for the 2007 Sea and Sky Spectacular on Nov. 2-4 celebrating the 232nd birthday of the United States Navy and honoring the men and women who served and continue to wear the military uniform with pride. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Toiete Jackson