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This time, I’m going. As in actually going to the Fort Lauderdale beach to see all of the action close up at the McDonald’s Air & Sea Show. The big event is in its 13th year now and I’ve enjoyed the aerial stunts and precision flying in the past. But always at a distance. That means I’ve missed things such as the mock amphibious assault and the Golden Knights parachute team. And I’ve only been able to see a small part of the Thunderbirds or Blue Angels roaring overhead in their spectacular, dangerous maneuvers. Not this time, though. This time, yes, I’m going.
It’s hardly necessary to point out that the United States military is enduring a very tough period right now. No matter how any of us may or may not feel about the Iraq War, the men and women in uniform are busy doing their job every day. It’s a job that someone must do, but most of us don’t want to do ourselves. Often it’s a totally thankless job without many rewards. My point is that you don’t have to agree with our current foreign policy in order to appreciate the efforts of our soldiers, sailors, air men and women and other members of the U.S. military. The Air & Sea Show celebrates them.
The 2007 edition kicks off early next week with some pre-show events. But the actual Air & Sea Show gets rolling at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 5 and continues right through 5 p.m. On Sunday, May 6, the military demonstrations begin and end at those same times. The show includes some incredible flying by the Air Force Thunderbirds, which alternate years here with the Navy’s Blue Angels. The Navy parachute team, called the Leapfrogs, will appear and so will the Army’s Golden Knights. There’s a Stealth bomber flyover, a Coast Guard rescue demo and also that huge amphibious landing on the beach. And a lot more, including many great civilian pilots putting their stunt planes through daring dives and rolls. It should make for a fun, exciting weekend. And perhaps it’s also an opportunity to take a moment to appreciate the hardships faced by our military just now – and to hope that they all come home safely soon.
It’s hardly necessary to point out that the United States military is enduring a very tough period right now. No matter how any of us may or may not feel about the Iraq War, the men and women in uniform are busy doing their job every day. It’s a job that someone must do, but most of us don’t want to do ourselves. Often it’s a totally thankless job without many rewards. My point is that you don’t have to agree with our current foreign policy in order to appreciate the efforts of our soldiers, sailors, air men and women and other members of the U.S. military. The Air & Sea Show celebrates them.
The 2007 edition kicks off early next week with some pre-show events. But the actual Air & Sea Show gets rolling at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 5 and continues right through 5 p.m. On Sunday, May 6, the military demonstrations begin and end at those same times. The show includes some incredible flying by the Air Force Thunderbirds, which alternate years here with the Navy’s Blue Angels. The Navy parachute team, called the Leapfrogs, will appear and so will the Army’s Golden Knights. There’s a Stealth bomber flyover, a Coast Guard rescue demo and also that huge amphibious landing on the beach. And a lot more, including many great civilian pilots putting their stunt planes through daring dives and rolls. It should make for a fun, exciting weekend. And perhaps it’s also an opportunity to take a moment to appreciate the hardships faced by our military just now – and to hope that they all come home safely soon.
posted by LauderBLOGGER at 4:13 PM
It's only my second year in Florida, so it'll be fun to check this event out. I grew up watching the Blue Angels since I lived near El Toro and Camp Pendleton. Haven't seen the Thunderbirds, though.
Along these lines - last night from the Ridges in Weston we saw and heard at least 10 "military-style" helicopters fly overhead. Did anybody else catch this, and was it related to the Air & Sea Show?
Hi Jonathan
I'm sure if you caught sight of that many choppers overhead, it was related to the Air & Sea Show. The flyovers go on all over Broward County for several days during this week each year. And yes, I know you'll love the show. The T'birds are every bit as good as the Angels -- and they have two women this year as part of their team. Great pilots doing amazing things! Enjoy! Bob
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