KANEOHE, Hawaii (KHON2) — After a three year hiatus, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels are back in Hawaii, and excited for their Kaneohe Bay Air Show this weekend.
The event will be hosted at the Marine Corps Base Hawaii. Aug. 8 is a military exclusive show for Military Appreciation Day, followed by shows open to the public Aug. 9 and Aug. 10.
The air show will include flight demonstrations from the Blue Angels, their six F-18 Super Hornets, and their C-130 J Super Hercules affectionally nicknamed “Fat Albert,” along with multiple food vendors.
“I really want people to see the teamwork and professionalism from the ground and on up,” said Commanding Officer and Flight Leader Adam Bryan. “It takes an entire team of 160 professionals both with the Navy and the Marine Corps that work every single day to make this a perfect flight demonstration.”
The Blue Angels team also includes Aviation Mechanic Katie Casabar, who grew up on the islands.
“I want to just be able to show people that if they wanna do something big with their life they can,” Casabar said. “If there’s obstacles, you can climb over it.”
While the weekend is sure to be an exciting and fun-packed one, it’s also important to remember that it’s coming at a very hot time of the year, and proper preparation beforehand is necessary to properly enjoy the event.
“The tarmac radiates the heat up so definitely bring sunscreen, and stay hydrated,” said assistant events coordinator Justin Asuncion. “Bring hearing protection if possible because it’s going to get loud.”
The Blue Angels also recommend bringing something to sit on for the event.
Gates for the shows will open at 8 a.m., and the air show is expected to run from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Preferred seating tickets are sold out.