Blue Angels practice their big show

PENSACOLA, Fla. (WALA) - They’re known the world over, but they call Pensacola home.

The Blue Angels have been flying since 1946, performing spectacular aerial stunts as a recruitment tool for the US Navy.

This year, the Blue Angels will take part in 70 performances in 34 cities in the US and Canada.

And twice a year, the Angels perform at home in Pensacola, and folks come from all over to watch the show.

Isaiah Bush came from Virginia.

Bush said, “To here, it’s 12 hours [of driving]. From a plane, its 4 (hours.)”

The Blue Angels can reach speeds of 700 mph while conducting intricate, coordinated maneuvers.

“It brings back memories since I saw them when I was little,” said one visitor.

At some points in the show, the F/A-18 Hornets are 18 inches apart! The perfectly timed maneuvers can take the jets as high as 15,000 feet or as low as 50 feet above the water!

While the Blue Angels are the stars of the show, there are other sights to enjoy.

Before the Angels take to the skies, there are other aerial stunt shows that are incredible to watch.

It’s a show that sure to please, and a wild ride for the pilots and the spectators, but you have to make sure to come early.

The air show begins at 11:30 am and the Blue Angels take to the skies at 2 p.m.

The Escambia County Sheriff’s office suggests people arrive at the beach early.

Deputy Matt Baxter said by 10 a.m., the beach parking lot will be closed, but you don’t have to worry.

Baxter said, “If you do come later, you can go down to the Fort Pickens gate or down east a little further and find a parking spot. We’ll have trolleys taking you back and forth to the main parking lot here.”

Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and plenty of water.