Veteran reminisces on own service at Blue Angels' airshow

PENSACOLA NAS, Fla. (WALA) - The Blue Angels' air shows draw crowds for a number of reasons but, for Navy Veteran Jim Arenberg , the event brings back memories.

"The first time I was down here was 1968-1971," said Arenberg. "Then, I came back down here as a civilian in '94."

During his service, he didn't pilot any planes, but he said he couldn't resist any opportunities to go up in one.

"When I first came in, I was 17-18 years old. I went out to Hawaii and ... I used to go flying with those guys just to do touch-and-go landings because I liked flying so much."

Arenberg said the military has changed a lot since he was in the service, and the Blue Angels’ air show is a chance for him to reconnect with his history on the base. He tries to bring friends and relatives so they can share the experience, but makes new friends each year as well.

"I like the camaraderie out here. You meet all kinds of people out here," said Arenberg. "You meet veterans… new people from out of town. I come every year if I can. It's a way to appreciate the veterans and to see what the new military is like."

As one of the Blue Angels taxied down the runway for a test flight, Arenberg said even though he's seen the show many times, the excitement never goes away.

"Imagine what it's like being at the throttle on one of those things. There can't possibly be any other thrill like it," he said.

The Blue Angels are scheduled to take to the skies at 2:30 p.m., and Arenberg will be as close to the runway as he can get.

"It brings back some memories," he said. "It gives me a taste and I remember what it was like."