The Blue Angles

July 13, 2008

Major Clint Harris, the #4 slot pilot of an F/A-18 Hornet for the Navy’s Blue Angels, affirms that Traverse City is one of the team’s favorite locations out of all the 67 air shows they perform annually, which are viewed by an estimated 15 million spectators.
Hailing from Senath, Missouri, he loves flying over the bays, the surrounding terrain, and the people in Northern Michigan. When asked if there’s anything he doesn’t particularly like about T.C., he responded: “I’ll let you know when I find anything.”
Major Harris is a Marine and has been in the service for six years. He became a Blue Angel pilot in 2006 when he was chosen from among 35 candidates applying for only two open pilot positions.
What does it take to become a Blue Angel? You must be a career-oriented, carrier-qualified, active-duty Navy or Marine Corps tactical jet pilot with a minimum of 1,250 flight hours. Pilots can only be a Blue Angel for two years.
While the Angels do have a few female personnel on their staff, there haven’t been any female pilots on the team. Yet. But there are no restrictions prohibiting female Marines from applying to become a Blue Angel pilot.
Aside from their impressive air show, equally impressive is the good work they do when they’re not performing. The Angels are goodwill ambassadors for the Make a Wish Foundation at every show and the kids who meet them are treated as VIPs, with reserved seating during the airshow.
The Blue Angels also visit wounded soldiers who’ve returned from active duty and thank them for their service. They regularly visit high schools, speaking to students about following their dreams, whether or not they involve the military. With a strong message of perseverance and determination, the Blue Angels say that you can become whatever you wish in life.

Learn more about the Blue Angels, pilots, aircraft and more, by logging onto www.blueangels.org.