Opens May 19 At US Navy Memorial In DC

With millions of spectators dazzled by their awesome flight demonstrations each year, The United States Navy Memorial is paying tribute to the men and women of The Blue Angels team -- who for 60 years have become the hallmark for aviation excellence and inspired people around the world about naval aviation.

The Memorial's newest exhibit -- sponsored by Boeing, which manufactures the Angels' current chariots, the F/A-18 Hornet -- is titled "The Blue Angels: 60 Years of Flying Excellence." It opens to the public Friday, May 19.

In conjunction with Armed Forces Day on May 20, the new exhibit displays the excitement that naturally comes from being part of the Blue Angels team. The exhibit also shows off the pilots' astounding aerial maneuvers that thrill audiences worldwide.

The Blue Angels Flight demonstration team includes officers and enlisted members of the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps. As the United States Navy's "ambassadors of good will" the Blue Angels pilots, crew and support team keep a arduous schedule of training, public appearances and flight demonstrations throughout the year.

"The men and women of The Blue Angels are shining examples of Navy and Marine Corps teamwork. The training, skills and dedication of these men and women are exemplary, and we are honored to pay tribute to 60 years of their service through our exhibit at The United States Navy Memorial," said Rear Adm. Richard A. Buchanan, USN (Ret.), president and CEO of The United States Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The Blue Angels exhibit is free and open to the public Mondays through Saturdays from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm, in The United States Navy Memorial's Naval Heritage Center at 701 Pennsylvania Ave., across from The National Archives.

The United States Navy Memorial is a national memorial site dedicated to the men and women of The United States Navy and its sister Sea Services -- past, present and future.

FMI: www.navymemorial.org, www.blueangels.com