The Grand Junction Air Show was held last weekend and it would be interesting to know just how many photos and videos were taken by the thousands who attended.
Here are thirteen of mine . . .
The elasped time from the first photo as LT Simonsen #5 and LT Tickle #6 are approaching from the southeast, passing 'through' the props of an Osprey, flying upside down, flying center stage, and the last photo heading west is about EIGHT seconds !
#5 LT C.J. Simonsen, USN, Lead Solo for the Blue Angels is a native of Coon Rapids, Minnesota, and graduated from Coon Rapids High School in 1995, where he lettered in football, track and down-hill skiing. In January, 1996, he enlisted in the Navy and completed Basic Training at Recruit Training Command (RTC) in Great Lakes, Illinois.
C.J. then reported to Naval Nuclear Power Training Command in Orlando, Florida, for Machinist Mate "A" school and Nuclear Power School. He reported to Naval Nuclear Power Training Unit in Charleston, South Carolina, aboard USS Daniel Webster (SNN 626), where he served as a nuclear machinist mate.
He later attended the United States Naval Academy and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering in May 2002, and was comissioned an Ensign in the U.S. Navy.
C.J. joined the Blue Angels in September 2009 and he served as the Narrator and VIP pilot in 2010 and as the Opposing Solo pilot in 2011. He has accumlated more than 2,200 hours and 379 carrier arrested landings. His decorations include two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals and various personal and unit awards.
#6 LT David Tickle, USN, Opposing Solo for the Blue Angels is a native of Birmingham, Alabama, and graduated from Jefferson County International Baccalaureate School in 1998. He attended the United States Naval Academy earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering in 2002, and was commissioned an Ensign in the U.S. Navy.
David joined the Blue Angels in September 2010, and served as the Narrator and VIP pilot in 2011. He has accumulated more than 1,800 flight hours and 261 carriers arrested landings. His decorations include two Strike Flight Air Medals, two Navy and Marine Coprs Achievement Medals, and various personal and unit awards.
Somewhere along the way, someone didn't teach LT Simonsen how to fly right-side-up.
Just sayin' .
Our Blue Angel Table
"Bullet-proof" and "The Boss"
