TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) – The U.S. Navy Blue Angels are set make their return to the Terre Haute Air Show for the first time since 2018.
Lieutenant Commander and number two pilot Jack Keilty explains why they perform their precision, high speed moves.
“To showcase those tenants of teamwork and professionalism that are also very representative of the cornerstone and fabric of what makes our Navy and Marine Corps fighting force so unique and capable, and that is teamwork and professionalism,” Keilty said.
Keilty said he loves showing his team’s capabilities, as they often fly in formation just inches apart.
“We want to get into the heartland of our country, particularly where the Navy and Marine Corps doesn’t have a strong presence, and really anchor down there and showcase just how capable your Navy and Marine Corps team is and what our Blue Angel Team is capable of,” Keilty added.
Keilty said he’s where he is because the Blue Angels came to a place similar to Terre Haute.
“I saw the Blue Angels fly in a small town just outside of Oklahoma City, and it made an impact on me,” he said.
What goes on under the hood is just as important as what goes on in the air.
The powerline mechanic the C130J aircraft Patrick Angles said there is no better feeling than a successful show.
“We take a lot of pride in our work,” Angles said. “We wouldn’t be here today if we didn’t, so ensuring that we have that good aircraft and making sure that everything is good is a pride thing, so it feels really good to accomplish a demo successfully and do it week after week.”
Keilty said nothing compares to being a part of the Blue Angels.
“I still can’t believe I’m doing it,” he said. “It is a wonderful feeling and I just count my blessings that I had good people around me to support me throughout my education and career that made me realize my dreams were possible in hopes that I can instill some purpose into some boy or girl out there to go achieve their dreams, whatever their dreams might be.”
The Terre Haute Air Show is June 1-2 at Terre Haute Regional Airport.
Tickets are still available.
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