SEATTLE – Three lucky locals were given the opportunity to ride along in the Blue Angels’ number seven F/A-18 Hornet jet fighter as part of a community outreach program designed to reach key influencers in the community Aug. 4.
“People get nominated that are ‘key influencers’ in the community”, said U.S. Navy pilot Lt. C. J. Simonsen. “What we’re looking for are teachers, principles, coaches, police officers – anybody that might have influence on the youth in the cities that we’re going to. We’ll bring them out for a flight, show them a little bit about what the Navy and the Marine Corps does … that will hopefully inspire the kids that these folks work with.”
For the three nominated participants, it was their first experience flying in a fighter jet. First up in the air was Sam Argier, a meteorologist for KIRO 7 Eyewitness News.
“A lot of people don’t know they do this. Every stop they make…they allow members of the community to actually take a ride, which is just awesome,” Argier said.
“I have been honored to be chosen to be one of the key influential riders with the Blue Angels,” said Mike Fellows, a science teacher at Lakewood High School. “Ever since I found out I was nominated I have felt just like a kid again!”
The Blues’ jets are mostly one-seat fighters. An exception is their number seven jet, which has two seats and serves a special purpose in getting extra crew members and key personnel where they need to go as well as being available for community outreach functions.
“Part of it (riding), I know is that I can bring back the idea of how important the military is as a choice for some people, especially me being a teacher,” Fellows said. “It’s a great choice for some of my students to pursue.”
The day marked the beginning of a week of events involving the entire Blue Angels team. The Blue Angels will perform during the Boeing Air Show over Lake Washington for Seafair, Aug. 6-8.
Seafair, “Seattle’s Summer Celebration”, occurs annually and offers patrons a long list of activities, which includes the Blue Angels high octane air show. The high flying, high speed demonstration highlights the discipline, teamwork and precision that comes with military service.
“Ever since I’ve been on this team I’ve heard nothing but good things about Seafair,” said Simonsen. “The response we’ve had from the community has been unbelievable. We landed here yesterday and there were probably a thousand people at the fence welcoming us here and we typically don’t get that.”
The people in Seattle make us excited to be here,” said Maj. Brendan Burks, who pilots “Fat Albert”, the Blue Angels’ C-130 Hercules. “We’re going to put on a great show, hopefully fire up the people of Seattle and give Seafair a good kick start.”
For more information about the Boeing Air Show and SeaFair, go online to www.seafair.com.