“Blue Angels” (file photo)

To say the least, the AUXAIR (Auxiliary Air Component) static display at the 2006 Blue Angel Homecoming Air Show went well.  LT Belvin, USN, and LT Rocha, USN, at Naval Air Station Pensacola, FL took care of us in all respects.

Our aircraft and information booth was prominently placed between an Air Force A-10 and a Russian Yak-52 on the flight line and we were provided "performer" parking access and meal access.

The Auxiliarists in attendance estimate that we had direct face-to-face contact with 2500-3000 spectators at the display booth.  Auxiliary information packets, safety hints and over 400 Cessna 172 Cockpit posters and "Learn To Fly" booklets were provided to inquiring adults and youngsters.

Flotilla 17 AUXAIR Display (photo by author)

Auxiliarist Amanda Armstrong who is a USCG Academy Admission Partner provided material about the Academy.  “A dozen or so promising high school students expressed interest in the USCG Academy promotional material available at our booth,” she said.

AUXAIR pilot Auxiliarist Alex Grimes, Auxiliary air observers Paul Fernandez and Wade Sims were kind enough to man the static display with me.  That volunteer effort was greatly appreciated and helped enhance the air aspect of our display and our reason for attendance.  Several visiting Auxiliarists from neighboring Districts wandered by the display and were very complimentary.

Mission requirements prevented LT Hall, USCG, and his crew from bringing over the HH-65 helicopter to join us.  Recent publicity associated with the Hurricane Katrina rescue effort and the movie, "The Guardian" produced many questions from spectators regarding USCG aircraft and operations.

Given that the air show coincided with the USMC birthday, the 60th anniversary of the Blue Angels, and the Veteran's Day holiday, attendance was strong, with an estimated 150,000 people in attendance.  LT Belvin, USN, will be the air show coordinator next year and expressed a desire for active duty and Auxiliary aircraft presence in the static display.