Blue Angels Return to Willow Run Airport.

YPSILANTI, Mich., May 11 /PRNewswire/ -- The Blue Angels Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron will once again soar into the Michigan skies! The 1999 AirMichigan, Wayne County Air Show presented by Miller Lite returns to Willow Run Airport, June 26 and 27, 1999. This year's show features the Blue Angels in their only Michigan appearance. AirMichigan is also the first stop of the NAVplus Challenge Series, an exciting new aerobatic competition organized by the Championship Air Show Pilots Association (CASPA)!

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990511/CLTU004 )

The Blue Angels will demonstrate their flying skills in sleek F/A-18 Hornets. The Hornet is the first dual-role fighter/attack aircraft now serving on the nation's front lines of defense. The presentation includes graceful four-plane maneuvers referred to as "diamond" maneuvers and fast-paced high performance maneuvers performed by two "solo" pilots. All six jets perform maneuvers together in the well-known "delta" formation.

The mission of the Team is to enhance the Navy recruiting effort, and to represent the naval service to the civilian community. Overall, the Blue Angels serve as positive role models and goodwill ambassadors for the Navy. The Team will perform in 65 air shows at 36 locations during the 1999 season.

The 1999 Show brings The Thunder, The Roar and The Challenge to Willow Run! Aviation's greatest performers will once again thrill Michigan air show fans, showcasing amazing aerial skill.

The line-up includes Matt Chapman, Mike Goulian, Ian Groom, Rocky Hill, Gene Soucy and Sean D. Tucker competing in the NAVplus Challenge Series! Also featuring The U.S. Army Golden Knights Precision Parachute Team, Demonstrations by the F-14 Tomcat and F-16 Fighting Falcon, the "Heritage Formation Flight" including the F-16 and the P-51 Mustang and the F-117 Stealth Nighthawk fly by. Don't miss the French Connection Husband and Wife Aerobatic Team, The Nicorette/Nicoderm CQ SNJ-2 Skytypers, Jimmy Franklin and the world's only jet-assisted WACO, plus son Kyle's wingwalking act, Ann Arbor native Danny Clisham as the Voice of the Air Show and more!

Tickets may be purchased at Detroit area Farmer Jack Supermarkets starting June 14 or via mail order by calling 734-482-8888. Advance general admission tickets through June 25 are $12 for adults and $8 for children 6-11. Tickets at the gate are $15 for adults and $10 for children. Children five and under are free.

The AirMichigan, Wayne County Air Show presented by Miller Lite is a not-for-profit corporation. For more information call 734-482-8888.

FACT SHEET

U.S. NAVY BLUE ANGELS

    WHAT:    The Blue Angels, the Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron

    WHEN:    AirMichigan, the Wayne County Air Show presented by Miller Lite
             June 26 and 27

    WHERE:   Willow Run Airport, Ypsilanti, MI

THE DEMONSTRATION: Choreographed refinements of Navy-trained combat

maneuvers in the diamond (four-plane) and delta

(six-plane) formations and solo high-performance

maneuvers.

THE PILOTS:

#1 Commanding Officer/Flight Leader, Cmdr. Patrick Driscoll, USN,

Homewood, IL

#2 Right Wing, Maj. Scott Wedemeyer, USMC, Rockingham, NC

#3 Left Wing, Lt. Cmdr. Kieron O'Connor, USN, Burtonville, MD

#4 Slot Pilot, Lt. Cmdr. David Silkey, USN, Calabasas, CA

#5 Lead Solo, Lt. Doug Verissimo, USN, Falmouth, MA

#6 Opposing Solo, Lt. Cmdr. Scott Ind, USN, Chaska, MN

OTHER OFFICERS:

#7 Narrator, Lt. Keith Hoskins, USN, Parkville, MS

#8 Events Coordinator, Maj. Bruce Shank, USMC, LaCanada, CA

C-130 pilot, M1 Capt. Dwight Neeley, USMC, Arlington, VA

C-130 pilot, M2 Capt. Andy Hall, USMC, New Cumberland, PA

Maintenance Officer, Lt. Neal Austin, USN, Rockledge, FL

Flight Surgeon, Lt. Cmdr. Pat McMahon, MC, USN, Bremerton, WA

Administrative Officer, Lt. Nancy Lake, USN, Chicago, IL

Public Affairs Officer, Lt. Tanya Wallace, USN, Radcliff, KY

Supply Officer, Lt. Michelle Saari, SC, USN, Seattle, WA

MICHIGAN TEAM MEMBERS:

    PR2(AW) John Beach, Clarkston, MI      AN Julie Kozub, Warren, MI
    SGT Johnathan Carr, Monroe, MI         AD1(AW) Dave LeGard, Saginaw, MI
    YN2 Jaason Durnell, Detroit, MI        AK2 Cherilyn Olsen, Highland, MI
    AE2 Brian Koendarfer, Bloomfield       AMH2 John D. Squires, Detroit, MI
      Hills, MI

    THE PLANES:
    F/A-18 Hornet Strike Fighter

    Contractors:    Boeing Corporation, Northrop Corporation

    Powerplant:     2 General Electric F404-GE 400 low-bypass, turbofan

engines, each in the 16,000-pound thrust class.

    Length:                  56 feet
    Height:                  15.3 feet
    Wingspan:                40.4 feet (with missiles)
    Speed:                   Mach 1.7 plus
    First Flight:            November 1978
    Combat radius:           500-plus nautical miles
    Combat ceiling:          50,000 feet (approx.)
    Maximum takeoff weight:  56,000 pounds

    TEAM HISTORY:

At the end of World War II, the Chief of Naval Operations ordered the formation of a flight demonstration team to showcase naval aviation for the American Public. The Blue Angels were formed and first performed in 1946 in Jacksonville, Fla. First team leader was Lt. Cmdr. Roy "Butch" Voris. In all, the team has performed before 322 million spectators, including 15 million in the 1998 Air Show Season.

    HOME BASE:     Pensacola, FL., with pre-season training in El Centro, CA.

    TICKET INFORMATION:
    General Admission Adult                        $15 (Advance $12)
    General Admission Child (6-11)                 $10 (Advance $8)
    Children five and under are admitted free.

Available at Detroit Area Farmer Jack locations starting June 14, or by

calling 734-482-8888.