Blue Angels thrill thousands at 49th annual air show

Thousands of people from across the region crowded on Saturday at the Naval Air Facility El Centro for the 49 th Annual Blue Angels air show.

San Jacinto resident Patricia Williams said, “I have four special-needs boys and they are just crazy about the Blue Angels. They love the air show and every year they want to come.”

Oxnard resident Albert Gomez said, “Just to be close to the family and just the love of the aviation. It’s a display of what the air force has to offer to protect this country.”

There were many aircraft attractions for the whole family, giving everyone a photo opportunity.

“I love to go inside the C-5, even though I would never ride in it. It’s too big,” Williams said.

“They have really nice airplane exhibits from different eras,” said Carla Carrillo, from Mexicali.

“My favorite display right now is the F-35 Lighting. It’s an awesome aircraft,” Gomez said.

It’s a popular show for many people like Carrillo who comes with the whole family from across the border.

“It’s a different kind of show that we don’t get to see in Mexico,” Carrillo said.

The people we spoke to said coming to watch the Blue Angels air show is a family tradition.

“Kids really like to see the show, that’s what’s really attractive to me,” Carrillo said.

“Since I was a little kid, my dad would bring us over and we were like five years old, so we just grew a bond and a love for them,” Gomez said.