Blue Angels prepare for Pensacola Beach airshow while inspiring those who watch them
PENSACOLA BEACH, Fla. (WALA) -All season long the Blue Angels have been showing off their world-famous skill and precision across the country as part of a demanding 2024 schedule. But for the Blues there’s no place like home for Red White and Blues week at Pensacola Beach
“Pensacola Beach week is iconic. We love going down to the beach and flying over the water,” said Lieutenant Commander Amanda Lee. “It’s beautiful it’s great flying the air is always smooth and there are thousands and thousands of people out there that I can look out to and say hi”
For Lieutenant Commander Amanda Lee it’s been a special couple of years since she joined the Blue Angels in 2022 when she became the first female demonstration jet pilot in the history of the Blues.
“It’s not lost on me what it’s like to see someone who looks like you in a position maybe you never thought was a possibility, so it is an honor to be able to represent and be an inspiration to so many people,” added Lee.
This season she’s moved to the wing position which has given her the chance to fly in almost every spot in the formation which she says has given her a unique view during the show while being challenging at the same time.
“Left wing is my baby that’s what I did all last year so I’m comfortable on the left side and that’s my biggest challenge, said Lee. “If someone on the right side falls out it’s kind of welp here we go.”
While she may be the first she hopes she’s not the last. And Lieutenant Commander Lee hopes that her and her team can inspire anyone who wants to fly.
“I’ll really tell anybody to step outside your comfort zone and do things that scare you because you’ll always be surprised at what you can do,” said Lee.
The Blue Angels will be back here at the beach at 2:00 tomorrow for their dress rehearsal and if you can’t make it we’ll be streaming it tomorrow.
Of course they’ll close out Red White and Blues week on Saturday with the full show at 2pm. The civilian acts start both days at noon.
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