Blog: Fort Report: Blue Angels

Last Saturday afternoon someone remarked to me, "No one's sleeping in Bellevue right now." Above the city and across the horizon, planes were everywhere. They roared, they dove and they maneuvered over Offutt Air Force Base. It was loud. It was fast. And it was impressive.

Held now for four decades, the Air Force's "Defenders of Freedom" air show featured an array of aircraft in an extraordinary display of our military history and tradition. Vintage planes joined modern fighter jets: P-38 Lightnings that flew combat missions in World War II, P-51 Mustangs that fought in the skies during the Korean War--even an F-22 Raptor, a major player in our Air Force today. Most covered their ears as the F-22 soared overhead, displaying its awesome power.

As exciting as the aeronautics and feats of tactical strength were, the highlight of the show was the last act. The Blue Angels.

The four blue jets were sleek, majestic, and cool. They flew in formation with blinding speed and precise coordination. As one of the pilots taxied by, I could see him fist pumping to his crew. These are men who love their job. Clearly they are engaged by their commitment to this extraordinary American tradition.

That tradition began when Admiral Chester W. Nimitz formed the Blue Angels in 1946. Initially called the Navy Flight Exhibition Team, the squadron adopted its current name when one of the original team members heard about New York City's Blue Angel nightclub. The Blue Angels flew their first show that year in Omaha--the event where they formally announced their new name. Since then the squadron has performed for over 260 million people.

It was clear that the many families in attendance enjoyed the performance of military might and patriotism, surely like that first audience in Omaha. The military is one of the binding elements of our country. In a time of great philosophical divide, it upholds the ideals of honor, sacrifice, and commitment. To place service above self is of the highest of values--and continues to move us as a people.

As I spoke to the commanding officer, he pointed out that it's important for the military to show how taxpayer dollars are spent. We also discussed that it is at air shows like these that many young people get their first glimpse of what military service could be like. In fact, the Navy's top recruiter Rear Admiral Annie Andrews joined us from Tennessee, beaming with pride about the exceptional opportunities given to her to serve our country.

In a time when many Americans are deeply cynical about government, the Blue Angels continue to ace show after show, entertaining and inspiring audiences around the country. They demonstrate the value of the military--a great institution that still unites in our fractured times. The Blue Angels have a way of capturing our imagination of the possible.

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