Jeff Fuentes Gleghorn
The Blue Angels visited the Milwaukee Air and Water Show this July, wowing viewers with their precision flight show. This is the 76th year for the Blue Angels, but the first time that they have performed for the Milwaukee Air and Water Show. Blue Angels show pilots fly over 120 training flights during the winter to prepare for their displays. The airshows involve flying 120 to 700 miles per hour in formation, sometimes with as little as 18 inches between the planes. If you missed this year’s display, you’ll be able to see the Blue Angels again next year during their 2023 tour. They will join the Milwaukee Air and Water Show again on July 22 and 23, 2023.
The 2023 tour will be special for the Blue Angels as it will be the first time that a woman pilots one of the display fighters in their 76 year history. On July 18th, the Blue Angels announced the pilots for next year, and it includes Lt. Amanda Lee, who grew up in nearby Minnesota. The Midwest native is currently a pilot in the “Gladiators” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106. Women have been part of the 154 person support team of the Blue Angels, including Marine Major Katie Cook, who piloted the Blue Angels’ C-130, an extended-range tanker, from 2015-2017, but was not a demonstration pilot like Lt. Lee will be. Be on the lookout for tickets because this is not a show to miss.
