The Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola hosted its annual Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show on November 1 and 2, 2024, drawing an estimated 150,000 to 180,000 spectators over the two-day event. This year’s show, themed “Celebrating One Small Step,” honored the 55th anniversary of the Apollo 11 lunar landing, a milestone in both aviation and space exploration history.
The U.S. Navy’s Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, headlined the event with their signature precision aerobatics, captivating audiences with intricate formations and high-speed maneuvers. In a rare double headliner spectacular, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds joined the lineup also, performing both days at noon and adding back-to-back headliner shows that awed the massive crowds. In a special highlight, renowned aerobatic pilot Rob Holland, who was named an Honorary Blue Angel in 2019, performed solo routines that left the audience in awe and flew in formation with Blue Angel’s support aircraft the C-130 Herculis known as “Fat Albert”. Holland’s exceptional skills, many awards and contributions to aviation have earned him this distinguished recognition.
The air show featured a diverse array of performances from both military and civilian aviators. The U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team showcased the advanced capabilities of the fifth-generation fighter jet. The U.S. Navy’s F-35C Demo Team also participated, highlighting the versatility of naval aviation. The USSOCOM Para-Commandos executed precision parachute demonstrations, while aerobatic acts such as Adam Baker Airshows, RAD Aerosports, Matheny Airshows LLC, Redline Air Shows, Ghostwriter Air Shows, Skip Stewart Airshows, and Rob Holland Aerosports delivered thrilling performances. Additionally, the Hot Streak Jet Truck provided a ground-based spectacle, racing down the runway with its jet-powered engine.
In line with the commemorative theme, the air show included static displays that paid homage to the Apollo 11 mission and the broader contributions of naval aviators to space exploration. Notably, one-quarter of U.S. astronauts have served in the Navy or Marine Corps, with many beginning their careers at NAS Pensacola.
Neil Armstrong – U.S. Navy. Armstrong served as a naval aviator from 1949 to 1952, flying missions in the Korean War. After his military service, he became a test pilot and later joined NASA as an astronaut. Buzz Aldrin – U.S. Air Force. Aldrin served in the U.S. Air Force, where he flew combat missions during the Korean War. He later earned a doctorate in astronautics and was selected by NASA as an astronaut. Michael Collins – U.S. Air Force. Collins served as a fighter pilot and test pilot in the U.S. Air Force before being selected by NASA. He was an experienced pilot but did not land on the Moon, instead piloting the Command Module in lunar orbit while Armstrong and Aldrin descended to the surface
NAS Pensacola Commanding Officer Capt. Terry “Village” Shashaty remarked on the significance of the event, stating, “Given the enormity of what NASA was able to accomplish more than a half-century ago, celebrating this at the NAS Pensacola 2024 Blue Angels Homecoming Airshow pays homage to not only a great aviation accomplishment but also celebrates the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps’ contribution to one of mankind’s greatest achievements.”
The air show also served as an educational platform, with interactive exhibits and opportunities for attendees to engage with pilots and crew members. The National Naval Aviation Museum, located on the base, offered additional insights into the history of naval aviation and its role in space exploration.
