COCOA BEACH, Fla. – The roar of jet engines is set to return to Cocoa Beach this weekend as the Cocoa Beach Air Show brings military and civilian aerial performances to the shoreline, headlined by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels.
“It’s going to be very exciting. We have the U.S. Navy Blue Angels as our featured performer,” said Chris Dorado, director of public relations for the Cocoa Beach Air Show. Dorado said the team will be flying over the Space Coast for the first time in five years, a return he expects to draw big crowds.
Organizers say spectators can also expect additional demonstrations from both military and civilian pilots, including the Air Force’s F-16 Viper demo team.
“You’re going to see, obviously a mix of military performers and civilian performers. All very skilled aviators,” Dorado said.
Capt. Adam Ryan, the commanding officer and flight leader of the Blue Angels, said the team’s performance is designed to show the capabilities of the F/A-18 Super Hornet, including close-formation flying and high-speed passes.
“We do everything from very close formation, flying upwards of 12 to 18 inches apart … [and] high speed passes nearly the speed of sound,” Ryan said.
The Cocoa Beach Air Show is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday over the beach. Organizers said the show begins at noon both days, and Ryan said the Blue Angels are scheduled to perform at 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Dorado urged attendees to arrive early for parking and a spot along the shoreline.
You can find more details here.