Blue Angels Help Renovate Local School

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Timothy Schumaker | 180615-N-UK306-1030 Pensacola, Florida — Aircrew Survival Equipmentman 2nd Class Nicole Oviedo, attached to the Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, paints a mural during a community outreach event at C.A. Weis Elementary School here June 15, 2018. The Blue Angels are scheduled to perform more than 60 demonstrations at more than 30 locations across the U.S. and Canada in 2018. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Timothy Schumaker/Released)  

PENSACOLA, FL, UNITED STATES

06.15.2018

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Timothy Schumaker 

Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron

Sailors from the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, volunteered at C.A. Weis Elementary School June 15.

The team members helped with cleaning and pressure washing the school’s cafeteria, bathrooms, classrooms, and parking lots, as well as painting murals throughout the school.

Aviation Electrician’s Mate 2nd Class Andrew Bennett said he feels a sense of purpose when it comes to being involved with community outreach opportunities in Pensacola.

"The Blue Angels aren’t just here to perform air shows, we’re here for the community," said the Honesdale, Penn., native. "Giving back to those who’ve given us so much appreciation and support, just feels like it’s the least we could do."

Weis Elementary principal, Holly Magee, is looking forward to how excited students will be to see all the changes when they come back to school in the fall.

“It’s amazing to have the Blue Angels come to Weis,” she said. “These kids are going to be so thrilled when we tell them who came to paint all these murals and help the school like this. I can’t wait to see their faces.”

Throughout the year, the Blue Angels team members participate in community outreach programs, and school and hospital visits similar to their day spent at C.A. Weis.

“For me, it’s actually therapeutic,” said Aircrew Survival Equipmentman 2nd Class Nicole Oviedo, of Los Angeles, Calif. “I like volunteering and knowing that I’m out here meeting people and helping them out in whatever way I can.”

Approximately 50 Sailors and Marines attached to the 137-member squadron travel to each show site on a rolling basis.

The mission of the Blue Angels is to showcase the pride and professionalism of the United States Navy and Marine Corps by inspiring a culture of excellence and service to country through flight demonstrations and community outreach. In 2018, the Blue Angels will perform more than 60 demonstrations at 33 show sites across the country. Since 1946, the Blue Angels have performed for more than 484 million fans.

For more information, visit www.blueangels.navy.mil.

• Date Taken: 06.15.2018
• Date Posted: 06.15.2018 15:12
• Story ID: 281149
• Location: PENSACOLA, FL, US