The Blue Angels took to the First Colonial High School auditorium stage before taking off to perform at the Naval Air Station Oceana Air Show on Sept. 19.
Health and physical education teacher Valerie Loschiavo invited them to speak to juniors, seniors and members of the school’s Junior ROTC. Her invitation was accepted.
“We see the Blue Angels in the sky practicing and performing every year while sitting in our yards and the First Colonial football field,” she said.
After being introduced, Jerry Fain and Capt. Jen Murr spoke about their roles with the Blue Angels.
Fain, an aviation electronics technician, has served in the Navy for almost eight years.
“We turn jets on and make sure systems are operating properly,” he said. “Pursuit of perfection is a passion of ours.”
Murr’s Navy career spans 23 years. As a flight surgeon, she ensures the medical readiness of pilots.
They showed a video highlighting the group of active-duty sailors and Marines who perform aerobatics with the F/A-18 Super Hornet and the C-130J Super Hercules aircraft.
Since 1946, the Blue Angels has inspired a culture of excellence and service to country, the video explained. Each aerial performance was described as “a carefully practiced ballet.”
The team of 140 men and women includes pilots, medical, public affairs, administration, logistics, supply and maintenance staff. Based in Pensacola, Florida, they travel to more than 30 locations and perform about 65 shows each year.
“Without everyone, the show cannot go on,” Murr said.
“We have become a family,” Fain added.
The special guests spoke about the importance of teamwork, collaboration and respect for others.
Students asked a variety of questions and learned that military orders to serve with the Blue Angels vary but usually are for three years.
One audience member wanted to know about the potential for any mishaps.
Fain said that although flying at 700 mph and performing loops and rolls 1,500 feet in the air is dangerous, jet maintenance and practice allow little chance for error.
When asked about their favorite plane formations, Murr described the “delta breakout.” That’s when the jets fly in a tight delta formation toward the crowd and suddenly break apart in different directions.
Fain’s answer was “the rejoin,” where the jets precisely return to formation after breaking off for a maneuver.
Senior Jamison Rowan said she’s always enjoyed watching the Blue Angels perform at the annual air show.
“I didn’t realize how difficult it was and that they practice six days a week,” she said. That takes commitment, she added.
While the pilots’ jobs are important, Jamison said she learned that others on the team have essential roles, too.
First Colonial High principal Dr. Daniel Miani said the Blue Angels’ presentation informed students about the many career opportunities available in the military.
“The depth and scope of careers offered by the military is an untapped resource,” he said.
Miani hopes more students will consider the military as an option not just for a career, but as a “lifelong endeavor to serving our country.”
“There are many pathways after high school that lead to becoming a successful adult in our community.”