The Blue Angels will return to Cape Girardeau May 2019 to perform their signature airborne stunts at the Cape Girardeau Regional Air Festival.
The U.S. Navy's prestigious demonstration squadron is scheduled to spend two days of their nationwide tour at Cape Girardeau Regional Airport on May 18 - 19, according to their online schedule.
The flight demonstration, most recently held in Cape Girardeau in 2010, is meant to "showcase the professionalism, excellence and teamwork found in all Navy and Marine Corps units, as well as provide the thrill and magic of flight to people each year," according to the Blue Angels' official website.
A total of 17 officers make up the elite team of veteran pilots, each typically serving with the Blue Angels for two years, then returning to the fleet to continue their naval careers. The pilots currently fly F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets.
Their 2019 tour will mark their 73rd season in the skies. Since 1946, the team has flown for more than 450 million spectators worldwide.