Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Kaitlin Young | VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (Sept. 18, 2025) Miss Virginia USA, Erin Houston, prepares for a...... read more read more
Miss Virginia USA Erin Houston has worn many crowns in her life, but few experiences compare to wearing a flight helmet in the back seat of a U.S. Navy Blue Angels F/A-18 with U.S. United States Navy Blue Angels Pilot Maj. Scott Laux.
Selected as this year’s Key Influencer Rider, Houston joined the world-famous demonstration squadron for a once-in-a-lifetime flight over her hometown as part of the 2025 NAS Oceana Air Show. For Houston, a Virginia Beach native and graduate of Cox High School, the ride was more than a thrill — it was a reminder of the Navy’s deep connection to the Hampton Roads community.
“Flying with the Blue Angels was an absolutely electric experience,” Houston said. “The precision, teamwork, and trust that go into every maneuver are incredible. To have that opportunity right here in the city where I grew up — during the celebration of 250 years of America’s Navy — was beyond special.”
Before her flight, Houston spent time with children at NAS Oceana’s Sharon A. Preston Child Development Center, where she was greeted with the contagious excitement from the base’s youngest community members. She joined the children for story time, answered questions, and encouraged them to dream big.
“The kids were so full of energy and curiosity,” Houston said. “Being a military child myself, they reminded me of my own experiences at CDCs just like this one, and how big of an impact these centers make on the lives of service members and their families.”
NAS Oceana’s Sharon A. Preston CDC provides high-quality care and early education programs that support the developmental growth of Navy children and the readiness of their families.
Oceana, provide high-quality, affordable childcare and recreational programs to support military families by ensuring children receive safe and enriching care while their parents serve. Their mission “Our is to offer developmentally appropriate programs, fostering independence, trust, and responsibility in children, while also supporting military readiness and retention by providing reliable childcare mission is to give Navy families peace of mind by providing safe, nurturing, and educational environments for their children,” said Nancy Byrne, NAS Oceana's Child and Youth Program installation director. “Having Erin visit brought so much joy to the kids and reinforced the message that they, too, are part of the Navy family. It’s wonderful for them to see someone from their own community encouraging them to dream big.”
The Blue Angels’ Key Influencer program gives local leaders and role models an opportunity to experience a flight in one of the team’s F/A-18 Super Hornets. The program is designed to highlight people who have a positive impact on their communities and who can share the Navy’s story through their own networks. As Miss Virginia USA, Houston was selected for her leadership, service, and ability to inspire others, especially young people.
NAS Oceana’s Commanding Officer Capt. Josh Appezzato said Houston’s selection was a natural fit for this year’s theme.
“Erin represents the best of Virginia Beach — leadership, talent, and a heart for service,” Appezzato said. “Her experience with the Blue Angels and her time with Team Oceana’s youngest members embodies the spirit of the NAS Oceana Air Show and the Navy’s 250th anniversary”
| Date Taken: | 09.23.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.24.2025 11:58 |
| Story ID: | 549156 |
| Location: | VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA, US |
| Hometown: | VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 1,079 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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