Baltimore Gearing Up For The Blue Angels This Weekend

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Baltimore is gearing up for an amazing sight above the city. The Blue Angels are a big part of Fleet Week and spent Friday taking test runs.

"We study the city, we study all the obstacles and we just make sure that we're clear," said Lt. Commander Andy Talbott, Blue Angels.

The Blue Angels are the pinnacle of aerial skill, maneuvering F-18s in absolute precision. At times, they're just eight-inches apart at speeds between 140 to 700 miles-per-hour.

"Everything is executed by visually looking outside the aircraft -- no autopilot, no technology -- all analog timing and looking outside with our eyeballs," said Talbott. "It's epic. It's great to be part of such a great organization and an awesome team to represent our 700,000 marines and sailors around the world -- especially this close to the nation's capital."

"It's awesome to be able to fly these aircraft and utilize that teamwork and trust and communication that we have among the team members," he added. "And that's what allows us to be successful."

"The way the bird looks, how beautiful it is -- that's all my craft right there," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Brandon Williams. "Everything here is good"

Williams works in the Blue Angels paint shop. The F-18's are 25 to 30-years-old, but he keeps them looking brand new.

"We have super high standards of how our aircraft look, and I'll go through and see if everything is up to my standards. And if they're not, I'll take care of them," said Williams.

Up close or up above, the Blue Angels are ready to grace the skies of Baltimore this weekend.

Fort McHenry and the Inner Harbor will offer some of the best views to see the Blue Angels and other amazing aircraft both Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m.

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