2016 is a big year because it commemorates the
70th Anniversary the Navy’s world famous flight
demonstration squadron.
The gates opened at 9:00 am and there were many
ground activities offered for all ages before the fly‐
ing events took place. Many of the static aircraft
included a couple modern fighters like the F/A‐18
Super Hornet, A‐10 Thunderbolt II, and AV‐8B Har‐
rier II. There were also a ton of helicopters for peo‐
ple to come up close to including the AH‐1Z Viper
and the many variants of the MH‐60. Planes of
Fame and the Commemorative Air Force were kind
enough to let the show offer a vast array of static
warbirds ranging from the P‐51 Mustang to B‐25
Mitchell. One ground attraction that you don’t nor‐
mally see at an air show is the 501st Legion based
out of San Diego which brings many people
dressed as Star Wars characters to the event for
the enjoyment of the attendees. Many of the char‐
acters included a majority of Imperial Stormtroop‐
ers, Mandalorians dressed in Blue Angels colors,
the feared bounty hunter Boba Fett, and the new‐
est villain in the galaxy Kylo Ren.
To begin their show season as always, the United
States Navy Blue Angels performed at their Winter
Home at Naval Air Facility El Centro, CA in front of
the large crowd in Imperial Valley. After months of
extensive training, the team was able to showcase
their elite precision under the command of the
new flight leader, Commander Ryan Bernacchi.
Flying began at 11:00 am with the Opening Cere‐
monies and National Anthem. Jumping for the An‐
them were the United States Navy Leap Frogs
parachute team. During their jump the crowd v