Blue Angels 2006

Greetings,

Still skipping along the trip down memory lane... I was not sure if I have told you guys about the time the Navy's prestigious Blue Angels came to town.


Harry and I were living comfortable at home.... in Atlanta, GA while Harry was the Chaplain for MAG-42. Marine Aircraft Group (MAG-42) is one of four Marine Aircraft Groups in the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Reserve Forces.


Back in Atlanta... back in April of 2006.. the Blue Angels took the last and final flight at Naval Air Station Atlanta.


NAS Atlanta, one of those bases where funding was cut... so the Navy packed up and moved out. SO the Blue Angels came to town that weekend to take their final flight over NAS Atlanta, Georgia.


Here's a picture of the guys as they were starting up...


And here is the Navy's Fat Albert.


The Blue Angels use a United States Marine Corps C-130T Hercules nicknamed "Fat Albert" for logistics, carrying spare parts, equipment, and to carry support personnel between shows.




They also use "Bert" for a short aerial demonstration just prior to the jet demonstration at selected venues. "Fat Albert Airlines" flies with an all-Marine crew of three officers and five enlisted personnel.


And at the NAS Atlanta 2006 Air Show they carried another crew member. You see... military guest can ride aboard Fat Albert if they receive prior clearance.


Harry and several other Chaplains were "working" that day as part of the disaster preparedness team. Early in the morning... Chaplain Wilkerson (we miss you so much) posited the question as to whether Harry would like to ride Fat Albert that day or not.


Of course he emphactically said yes. So Chaplain Wilkerson worked her "magic" and within minutes Harry was suited up, briefed, and in the belly of Fat Albert.

Once inside and once the crew found out Harry is a pilot himself....


well.... he changed seats...


he moved to the jumpseat in the front of the aircraft.


So here is an actual picture of Harry in the cockpit jumpseat of Fat Albert.




Here is after the guys had landed.... and the little United States flag comes out the top....

well... that's Harry's hand holding the U.S. flag.

He was so excited.... for the next few days... that's all we heard about....

Harry riding with the Blue Angels.

Blessings to those soaring with the Angels,

Kristie