The Vero Beach Air Show, a fundraiser for the Exchange Clubs of Indian River, Treasure Coast and Vero Beach as well as the Veterans Council of Indian River County, took place last weekend at the Vero Beach Regional Airport without the highly anticipated Blue Angels, but the show most definitely went on, thrilling crowds and filling the skies with color, aerobatics and the exhilarating roar of screaming engines.
The tragic death of Navy Captain Jeff Kuss at a training exercise in Tennessee on June 4 forced a cancellation of the U. S. Navy Blue Angels squadron. But show organizers understood the solemn duty of the Navy to take care of its pilots and the team following the devastating incident, and the Navy introduced the crowd instead to its F/A-18 Super Hornet Tactical Demonstration Team from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106.
Saturday’s show began with a surprise deluge at the start of the show, as members of the Chapter 1038 Vietnam Veterans of America Color Guard displayed their resolve, standing at attention in the pouring rain during the National Anthem. Fans waited out the thunderstorm, taking shelter wherever they could before the rains abated and the planes took to the soaked runways.
Excitement built as planes began to line the field, taking turns as they careened through the sky above the air field. As the aeronautics began, all eyes faced skyward to watch the great displays of talent and terror; among them wing walker Ashley Key, a 4-man AeroShell Aerobatic Team, a SB2C Helldiver, the Misty Blues All-Woman Skydiving Team, and the Super Hornet Tactical Demonstration Team.
A particular thrill for all ages was the 375+ mph Shockwave Jet Truck, which spewed fire and filled the air with a very pronounced roar. The louder the engines on the ground or in the air, the more the crowd cheered, especially when the F-18 soared overhead, zipping by so quickly the photographers in the crowd had difficulty shooting it in complete focus.
“There are hundreds of people involved in putting this event on, including all of our staff,” said Airport Director Eric Menger. “We thank everyone for being here and putting up with a little of the weather. But these performers really know what they are doing and the people who came out really had a great time.”
“I think the show was fantastic and, in spite of everything, the crowds are here,” said Piper Aircraft President/CEO Simon Caldecott. “We want people to see the benefit of aviation as well as getting the thrill of seeing these performers.”
“These guys were thrown so many curves and had to make so many adjustments. I am really impressed on how they reacted to all the adversity and these guys put on one heck of an air show for Vero Beach,” said Anthony Samons.
The Fehrenbach family from Houston had timed their visit to Vero Beach so that they could see their very first air show. They all enjoyed it, especially 13-year-old Ashley, who was excited that the wing walker had the same first name.
“It was pretty cool when Ashley Key was standing on the wings,” she said. “I also liked when the Misty Blue’s skydiving team came down with the American flag. They were great.”
She echoed the sentiments of many youngsters there, adding, “I would like to fly one day too.”
