Page 19 - 2020 LA County Air Show Guide

Los Angeles County Air Show
March 21-22, 2020 19
BLUE ANGELS, from 17

the Blue Angels to operate a support aircraft to move
personnel and equipment between show sites. These
support aircraft included the Douglas R4D Sky Train,
the Curtiss R5C Commando, the Douglas R5D Sky-
master, and the Lockheed C-121 Super Constellation.
In 1970 the team received the Lockheed Martin C-130,
affectionately known as “Fat Albert.”
In response to the Korean Conflict, the Navy dis-
banded the Blue Angels and the team reported to Fight-
er Squadron 191 (VF-191), “Satan’s Kittens,” aboard
the aircraft carrier USS Princeton in 1950.
On March 8, 1951, Flight Leader Lt. Cmdr. John
“Johnny” Magda led a strike against North Korean and Photograph by Jim Mumaw
Chinese troops when gunfire struck his Grumman F9F- Chuck Hiett, also joined the team in 1954; and at least
2B Panther. Magda was the first Blue Angels leader to one position has been reserved for a Marine ever since
die in combat. that year.
Some highlights from the past 74 years: • The Blue Angels gave their first performance out-
• On Armed Forces Day in May 1954, the Blue An- side the United States in 1956 — in Canada.
gels performed for the first time with the Air Force’s • The team reached a milestone when it performed
newly formed demonstration team, the Thunderbirds.
• The Blue Angels’ first Marine Corps pilot, Capt. See BLUE ANGELS, Page 20

The Antelope Valley Rural Museum honors the history
of the Antelope Valley with documentation,
preservation, exhibition, and education.
Now Enrolling

K-8th grade for the 2020-2021 school year

Grace Lutheran excellent We are open the first and third Saturdays of

Christian education since 1958! each month from 10 am - 2pm
Dates subject to change.
For more info call 661-478-4841
Schedule your tour today or visit www.avmuseum.org

gracelancaster.org • school@gracelancaster.org The museum is located at the
(661) 948-1018 Antelope Valley Fairgrounds
2551 West Avenue H, Lancaster
856 W. Newgrove Street Lancaster, CA 93534 Enter through Livestock Gate #3