The USN Blue Angels perform Diamond Break; flown by Commander Kevin Mannix (#1 Flight Leader/Commanding Officer), Lt. Commander Anthony Walley (#2 Right Wing), USMC Captain Clint Harris (#3 Left Wing), and Lt. Commander Tom Winkler (#4 Slot) in their McDonnell-Douglas F/A-18C 'Hornets'.

LCDR Winkler remarked, ÒWe stay in pretty good shape. It helps with the dynamics of flyingÉ it helps with g-tolerance.Ó
Winkler mentioned that the pilotsÕ regimen included weight lifting and cardiovascular workouts. And of course, the flight training.
To be a part of the Blue Angel team, one must already be a pilot with the U.S. Navy or U.S. Marine Corps and have a certain amount of flight hours. LCDR Tom Winkler has been flying for the U.S. Navy for 11 years and with the Blue Angels for half a hear.
Winkler said that if a pilot is chosen to fly with the Blue Angels, it is a Ò2 year tour usuallyÓ and the team gets 3 new members each year.
So, the pilots are rotated out frequently.
ÒMain thing, itÕs been a rewarding experienceÉyou meet a lot of folks from all walks of life,Ó Winkler said happily.
For any young person or anyone who may be considering a career in aviation, Winkler pressed, Ògo for itÉ do well in schoolÉkeep your options available.Ó
The world of aviation is broad, as it offers a career choice as well as a way to unwind. Anyone can pursue flying as I have done some flight training when I was in my early 20s. The sky is the limit, or Òseize the skyÓÉ my motto. [Canada Free Press]

Photo by Bob Nelson, Fargo AirSho practice across from the NDSU Rugby field.