2006 NAS Jax Air Show excites spectators of all ages

As visitors checked out the numerous static displays along the flight line and chatted with representatives sponsoring the various aircraft, others set up their chairs in anticipation of the day's aerobatic performances.

The U.S. Army Special Operations Command Black Daggers Parachute Team opened the day's festivities, sailing down to the tarmac with Old Glory in tow as the Navy Region Southeast Band performed the national anthem.

The roar of engines quickly punctured the morning quietness as the first planes took to the skies. Visitors were treated to demonstrations from several civilian performers including the Manfred Radius in his Salto Sail Plane, GEICO Skytypers, Patty Wagstaff, Gene Saucy and Teresa Stokes with their wing walking act, Frank Ryder in the Oreck XL Cyclone, Dave Marco in his P-51D Mustang, Jim Leroy and Jurgis Kairys' TinStix of Dynamite, Capt. Dale Snodgrass in the F-86 Sabrejet, and the Disabled American Veteran's ''Panchito'' B-25J Michell Bomber.

The crowd gazes at the Blue Angels during their aerial demonstration at the air show. Photo by MC2 Jason Trevett

Many of the spectators were impressed with the precision and skills demonstrated by the performers. ''This is awesome! I've never been to an air show before. I really enjoy seeing all the older aircraft perform. It just amazes me that they are so heavy and can fly the way they do. All the performers have been great!'' said John Boxley of Jacksonville.

''I really enjoyed Patty Wagstaff's performance. She's absolutely spectacular and such a daredevil. I'd love to go for a ride with her,'' added Dorothy Pearson.

Military aircraft also performed an array of aerial maneuvers much to the delight of those in attendance. Demonstrations from the Navy's P-3 Orion, S-3 Viking and Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II, F-15E Strike Eagle and F-16 Fighting Falcon kept the audience in awe.

However, not all of the action was in the sky. After several booms pierced the air, curious eyes scanned the skies looking for the plane gone supersonic. Sights shifted to Kent Shockley and his Super Shockwave Jet Truck as he throttled the engines before roaring down the runway at nearly 300 mph.

NAS Jax Commanding Officer Capt. Chip Dobson presents a commemorative poster to Raleigh "Dusty" Rhodes at a VIP reception during the 2006 NAS Jax Air Show. Photo by MC2 Donna Liggins

''Wow! What a ride that was! I thought it was going to be really rough but it was a pretty smooth ride. I just can't believe we were actually going that fast. I'm thrilled I got to ride in the truck,'' said Mike Harris, pressroom manager at The Florida Times-Un-ion who rode in the jet truck Saturday afternoon.

In addition to aerial demonstrations, the show featured numerous booths showcasing the different branches of the Armed Forces. The Navy was on hand with their simulator trucks which allowed visitors to try their hand at flying various Navy aircraft while Deep Sea/Explosive Ordnance Disposal divers played games of tic-tac-toe underwater, Marine recruiters chatted with visitors and Air Force recruiters discussed their mission.

Thousands of children enjoyed the day's festivities including the inflatable rides sponsored by the NAS Jax Youth Activities Center and the performances.

''The air show is so cool. There are lots of aircraft to look at and it's really neat watching all the pilots perform their stunts,'' stated 8-year-old Gabby Neubeck.

After hours of watching the exciting action of the civilian and military performers, the crowd cheered as the Blue Angels' Fat Albert Hercules C-130 aircraft conducted their jet assisted take-off launch, followed by the highlight of the day, the legendary Blue Angels in their F/A-18 Hornets.

Spectators view naval flight demonstrations during the air show this weekend. Photo by MC2(AW/NAC) Lynn Friant

With little more than 18 inches separating the planes, four of the Blue Angel jets flew in diamond formation, conducting simultaneous loops and turns before breaking away. As Narrator Lt. Kevin Davis instructed the crowd to pay close attention to the diamond formation, one of the remaining two jets screamed over the crowd, demonstrating the group's stealth capabilities, catching most spectators completely off guard.

With their definitive precision, the pilots took off to deliver an hour of exhilarating stunts leaving the crowd ''oohing'' and ''aahing.''

''The show was really great! The Blue Angels are so exciting. I'm glad I got to come to the air show and see them fly,'' said 7-year-old Ryan Ayala, as the Blues winded up their performance Saturday afternoon.

The air show concluded following the Blue Angels performance. Next year's air show will be held Nov. 2-4 at Jacksonville Beach.

Teresa Stokes, top stuntwoman wing-walker in the world, and Gene Soucy, one of the most respected and proficient air show pilots in American aviation, wow the crowd with one of their death defying stunts. Photo by MC2(AW) Suzi Cornell