Celebrate 200 years of the Navy in Key West with the Southernmost Air Spectacular featuring the Blue Angels

(Key West, FL). March 21, 2023 — NAS Key West Southernmost Air Spectacular roars through the sky on Saturday, April 15 and Sunday, April 16 at Boca Chica Field for an exhilarating weekend that helps celebrate 200 years of the Navy in Key West.  The naval aviation showcase of power and precision features more than a dozen flight demonstrations by talented civilians, military, and the world-famous U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels.

“It’s an honor to welcome the Blue Angels back to Key West this year, on the 200th anniversary of the establishment of a Navy base in Key West. Our staff, both military and civilians, have worked hard to present the best family-friendly event we can offer our neighbors and community,” said Regoli. 

The crowd-pleasing event dates back to 1946, when the Blue Angels Squadron was established to raise public interest in naval aviation and boost Navy morale. More than a hundred years prior in 1821, Key West businessman John W. Simonton set the runway when he lobbied for a naval base on the island. Its location was strategic and pirates were a problem. By April of 1823, A naval base was established at what is now known as Mallory Square, with Captain David Porter and his Mosquito Fleet putting law, order, and safety into action. The nation’s southernmost naval base at Trumbo – now a state-of-the-art training facility for air-to-air combat fighter aircraft of all military services – was established 6 years after U.S. Naval Aviation began in 1911. Within a few decades, it was well-integrated with the Navy’s mission to protect and control the seas and a cornerstone of American global military power. 

Seventy-seven years later, they are still steadfast in their mission of creating a culture of excellence and service to the country through flight demonstrations and community outreach. The 138 members are selected from more than 800,000 people in the Navy and Marine Corps, epitomizing the impeccable ethic, professionalism, precision, and teamwork found there. They perform at 32 locations across the country, wowing millions with maneuvers used in aerial combat while flying the most technologically advanced aircraft in the world. 

“We look forward to inviting the community onto our airfield so that together we can enjoy all our remarkable military and civilian performers, as well as view each of the magnificent aircraft up close, and witness the incredible maneuvers the Blue Angels execute with precision,” said NAS Key West Commanding Officer Capt. Beth Regoli. 

The free, day-long event includes displays of nearly three dozen aircraft, including the combat-proven F/A-18 Super Hornet, the Marine Corps’ premiere logistics support aircraft, and the C-130J Super Hercules (aka “Fat Albert”), food and beverage booths,  aviation-specific merchandise and Southernmost Air Spectacular swag, and a ticketed Kid’s Zone with inflatable rides, slides, a bungee jump and bounces houses. Limited upgraded VIP and Preferred seating with a full-service bar are available for $149 and $49. Gates open at 10am, flights begin at 11am,  Blue Angels fly at 2:30pm.  The hot tarmac can cause heat exhaustion and sun burns— stay hydrated and bring sunscreen, hats, and/or umbrellas. To learn more about volunteering, contact [email protected] or call 305-293-2503. NAS Key West Southernmost Air Spectacular is presented with the support of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council. For more information, visit www.airshowkeywest.com.

IMAGES: Since 1946, the Blue Angels have been wowing crowds with their flight demonstrations. NAS Key West Southernmost Air Spectacular roars through the sky on Saturday, April 15 and Sunday, April 16 at Boca Chica Field and features talented civilians, military, and the world-famous U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels. The free event starts at 10am and offers limited upgraded VIP and Preferred seating with a full-service bar are available for $149 and $49. US NAVY PHOTOS

 

SHOW SCHEDULE (subject to change)

o   National Anthem – SOCOM Paracommandos // 11am

o   Aftershock Jet Fire Truck

o   Bill Stein – Edge 540

o   H60 SAR Demo

o   Legacy Flight – F/A-18 & Corsair

o   AeroShell Aerobatic Team

o   Rob Holland – MXS

o   Precision Exotics vs. Rob Holland

o   F-5 Demo

o   Skip Stewart – PTS2

o   AfterShock vs. Skip Stewart

o   F-35 Demo

o   Rob Holland & Bill Stein

o   U.S. Navy Blue Angels //  2:30pm

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