The last of a Blue Angels tradition

PENSACOLA NAS - The economy is hurting even the Blue Angels. After this weekend, they will no longer use booster jets on Fat Albert. But that's not going to stop the Blues from taking to the skies and wowing the crowd.

The blues practiced Thursday for the last time this season. But for some of the pilots, this weekend's shows will be the last time they fly in formation.

"It's kinda a sad time, especially myself. Third year, last year, hasn't hit me yet. I'm sure when I climb out of flight station last time, that's when it'll hit me," Major Drew Hess said.

Every year a few of them leave, and new pilots come in. But there's a reason they end each season here in Pensacola. Just about every show is the same, what makes this one different is its their friends and family down here watching them.

"The fact of the matter, Pensacola is very special to us, we are very much supported by the community. No matter where we travel, there's something very special about performing for folks in Pensacola," Commander Greg McWherter said.

Something else will also change after this homecoming show. Fat Albert has always gone up using booster jets. After this weekend, you won't see that anymore, because it's simply too expensive.

"This Friday and Saturday will be last two jet-assisted take-offs in history of not only the Blue Angels, but also of the Marine Corp. It's sad that chapter is coming to an end," Major Hess said.

"If they had a very inexpensive, affordable of JATO out there, we'd do it because we love it. We think it's a great crowd pleaser, it demonstrates a portion of C-130 capabilities most people don't know about. But like all things, we in military are under same fiscal constraints, so we're looking at places to be smarter about the money we spend," Commander McWherter said.

So, come on out this weekend to see one of the last two jet-assisted take-offs of Fat Albert. It'll be your last chance to see one of their stunts that has gone on for 34 years.

The shows are Friday and Saturday at 2:00 p.m. on Pensacola Naval Air Station.