Blue Angels at the SUN n’ FUN Air Show, Lakeland, Florida; First F/A-18 Super Hornet Air Show

Blue Angels at the SUN n’ FUN Air Show, Lakeland, Florida; First F/A-18 Super Hornet Air Show

SUN n’ FUN Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Florida

Blue Angels first F/A-18 Super Hornet appearance in an air show, Saturday, April 17, 2021 in Lakeland, Florida as viewed from the Geico corporate parking lot just south of the Lakeland Linder International Airport.

The 2021 Blue Angels’ season began today, Saturday, April 17, 2021 at the SUN n’ FUN Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Florida. Today was the debut of the larger jet platform, the F/A-18 Super Hornet, and a new logistics support aircraft, the C-130J Super Hercules. The F/A-18 Super Hornet aircraft is 30 percent larger than the F/A-18 Legacy Hornet aircraft, which were the official Blue Angels aircraft for 35 years — since 1986.

Since 1946, the Blue Angels have represented the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps to audiences throughout the U.S. and abroad to showcase the excitement and power of naval aviation.

The Blue Angel team consists of 140 world-class, active-duty Sailors and Marines, each one bringing experience and expertise from their service in the Fleet. The Blue Angels personnel are honored to serve as home front representatives of the more than 800,000 active-duty, reserve, and civilian men and women currently serving worldwide, according to the Blue Angels website.

In this 75th year, the Blue Angels have continuously demonstrated a relentless positive attitude, strong work ethic, and dedication that has underscored every performance since the organization’s inception. Each member of the Blue Angels team strives daily to ensure the flight demonstration exemplifies the teamwork, professionalism and precision found in every facet of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, according to the official US Navy Blue Angels website.

Original

Guest Writer

Related Posts
‘Other Washingtons’ Unveiled in Chicago
Mayor Brandon Johnson joined the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and artist
Lollapalooza 2026 Made History in Grant Park
Lollapalooza 2026 concluded its four-day run at Grant Park on Sunday, Aug. 2, after bringing
Illinois Election Board Pushes Back on DOJ
The Illinois State Board of Elections has told the U.S. Department of Justice that the
FIFA Seeks Support for $20 Billion Venture
FIFA is seeking approval from its 211 member associations to establish a new commercial subsidiary
Belugas Moved to Chicago Amid Euthanasia Risk
Thirty beluga whales housed at the shuttered Marineland Canada faced a serious threat of euthanasia
July Heat Deaths Reach Decade High in Cook County
Six people have died from heat-related causes in Cook County this July, making it the
Apple Expands U.S. Chip Deal With Broadcom
Apple will purchase more than $30 billion in chips from Broadcom under a multi-year supply
Contreras Added to AL All-Star Roster
Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras has been added to the American League roster
Taste of Chicago Returns to Grant Park
Taste of Chicago will return to Grant Park from July 8 to 12, bringing the
Chicago Minimum Wage Rises to $17.05
Chicago’s minimum wage increased to $17.05 per hour on July 1, 2026, for employers with