Civilians get the ride of their lives with the Blue Angels

PENSACOLA NAS (WALA) - Two civilians are preparing to take to the skies with the Blue Angels during their homecoming show.

Escambia School Board member Jeff Bergosh is one. Woodlawn Beach Middle School teacher, and Santa Rosa County teacher of the year, Jeff Baugus is the other.

Both men had a debriefing at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, and were taught all procedures they need to know when flying with the Blues, such as ways to keep themselves from blacking out during flight.

“A lot of people equate it to a rollercoaster but it’s not. It’s a rollercoaster times 100. Their bodies have never experienced these forces until today so you never know what you’re going to get. You don’t know whether you’re going to pass out or throw up,” said Lt. Mark Tedrow, who flew the men.

More: The Blue Angels Homecoming show

After the debriefing, both men took turns flying. The pilot didn’t take it easy on them, pulling off many of the same maneuvers the Blues put on during the airshow.

“It was out of control. It was amazing. I’ve never felt anything like that. It was like the biggest rollercoaster in the world times 10. It was unbelievable,” said Bergosh.

Bergosh and Baugus will both fly with the Blues for around 30 minutes each.

“We did some barrel rolls. We did one where we did a loop and then flew upside down. That was incredible. The ocean’s getting closer to you and the sky’s at your feet. It’s pretty incredible,” Baugus said.

Baugus, who won Santa Rosa County School Teacher of the Year award, says his students knew he would be flying and made some bets.

“All the students were saying I was going to throw up. Some were betting on one time, two times or three times. But I held it and I only passed out once. I’m pretty excited to get back to them and let them know how it went,” Baugus said.

Officials said the men are both heavily involved with the Blue Angels and are always at the home shows.

Bergosh’s mother and father, who served in the Navy for years, both passed away last year after he got the invitation to fly.

“They both knew I was queued up to go up here and I thought of them. Especially as I was coming back in,” Bergosh said. “It was such a beautiful view of the beach. I can’t put it into words. It was the ride of a lifetime.”

The Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show is Nov. 2 and 3 beginning at 9:30 a.m.