by Ally Doty
The Blue Angels may be grounded for 2013 due to budget cuts, but that didn’t stop three members of the flight crew from spreading a positive message of working hard to achieve your goals to students from Pensacola State College’s Kid’s College program on June 20, 2013.
Lieutenant Katie Kelly, the squad’s Public Affairs officer, spoke first about her journey through aviation school and the path she took to become part of the Blue Angels Crew, as well as some of the more exciting parts of her job.
“I got to lead the crew from the Transformers movies onto an Aircraft Carrier to shoot certain scenes,” she said, impressing the young audience.
Kelly passed the microphone to LS2 Officer Andrew Schweitzer, who talked about his dream of becoming a chef and how hard he worked to complete culinary school.
After school, Schweitzer decided he needed more of challenge in his life, and like many in his family before him, chose to become part of the Armed Forces as a Logistic Specialist.
“It’s like running a UPS store and Auto zone all at the same time,” Schweitzer said, explaining his job.
He now provides parts and installation for the Blue Angel aircraft.
Number Seven Flight Crew Chief Jared Mann grew up in small town Kansas, but after seeing several demonstration shows, knew that he wanted going to be a Blue Angels’ crew member. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the Navy, becoming the first member of his family to serve.
“I work hand and hand with the number seven pilot,” he said. “I make sure that everything is ready for the flight the next day and I fly the backseat of the aircraft every day prior to the show to make sure everything is in order.”
After telling each of their stories, the crew members took turns answering any questions that the children had. They answered questions and shared information about their C130 named ‘Fat Albert’ and its crew of Marines. They talked about pre-flight routines and one of their most popular aerial feats, the Diamond Formation, which keeps each plane 18 inches away from each other in flight.
When asked about the budget cuts, they were not too worried about not being able to fly in 2013. Instead, they welcomed the time to give back to the community and speak to young people all over the area.
“We do what we can with the opportunities given to us,” Mann said. “If we are not flying, we will be out in the community reaching out that way. We visit every institution that will take us and hear our stories.”
The Blue Angels were the first military aviation demonstration team in 1946. Admiral Chester Nimitz’s vision for the team was to expose civilian crowds to Naval Aviation and boost the naval crew’s morale. He created a phenomena in the Blue Angels that has continued for sixty years.
The Blue Angels are hoping to resume performances in 2014. Until then, they continue simulation training at Naval Air Station Pensacola to keep their skills sharp, as well as serving as goodwill ambassadors to the community.