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 was down to earth and very eager to discuss.. the background on the Blue Angels and their experiences.
The home base of the Blue Angels is NAS Pensacola, FL at Forrest Sherman field most of the year, but when in training, the Blue Angels fly into El Centro, CA at the Naval Air Facility there..
The aircraft that the Blue Angels fly is the F/A-18 Alpha Hornet. The impressive fighter jet can shoot to 500 feet in 1 second and can achieve speeds of Mach 1.8, equivalent to 1,320 miles per hour! The Blue Angels have flown the F/A-18 Hornet since 1987, and are currently celebrating Ò20 years of Blue Hornets.Ó The Hornet is favorable as it offers the pilots the ability to fly Òaggressive, graceful and demanding.Ó [CanadaFreePress]

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