Jacksonville has a long and robust aviation history. Pilot Bessie Coleman, the first African-American woman to earn a pilot’s license, died at Jacksonville’s Paxon Field during a test flight in 1926. The city’s first commercial airport was built all the way back in 1927. But probably the most undersung story from Jacksonville’s flying history is that Naval Air Station Jacksonville is the birthplace of the Navy’s legendary demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, who’ve been providing aerial spectacle across the globe ever since their first shows in Jacksonville in 1946.
The Blue Angels once again returned to their birthplace on October 22 and 23 for the 2022 NAS Jacksonville Air Show. Jacksonville photographer Marcelo Murillo was on hand to capture scenes of classic aircraft and spectacular maneuvers in the skies over the River City.
The Blue Angels flight demonstration team’s six Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet wait on their turn to fly.
US Special Operations Command’s aerial parachute demonstration team, The Para-Commandos.
Pilot Matt Younkin and the Twin Beech 18 Airplane.
3 Time US National Aerobatic Champion Patty Wagstaff.
Adam “Shakenbake” Baker.
Air show performer and the Jacksonville skyline.
U.S Navy Sikorsky SH-60/MH-60 Seahawk demonstration.
Adam “Shakenbake” Baker and the Extra 330 airplane.
Adam “Shakenbake” Baker and the Extra 330 airplane performing.
Adam “Shakenbake” Baker waving to the crowd.
The U.S Coast Guard Eurocopter MH-65 Dolphin helicopter flying in to begin the demonstration.
The U.S Coast Guard Eurocopter MH-65 Dolphin helicopter demonstration.
Pilot Ken Rieder in action.
Pilot Ken Rieder performing a low pass.
Pilot Ken Rieder performing an aviation equivalent of a burnout.
Crowds at the 2022 NAS JAX Air Show.
Pilot Ken Rieder gives the crowds a thumbs up after his performance.
Pilot Kyle Fowler performs in his 1986 Long EZ airplane.
Pilot Kyle Fowler performs a “burnout” for the crowd in his 1986 Long EZ airplane.
Pilot Matt Younkin and the Twin Beech 18 Airplane taking off to begin the demonstration.
Pilot Matt Younkin and the Twin Beech 18 Airplane perform a barrel roll.
Air show crowd enjoying Pilot Matt Younkin and the Twin Beech 18 performance.
Pilot Matt Younkin waving to the crowd after his performance.
Crowds were at capacity at the 2022 NAS JAX Air Show.
Pilots Adam Baker and Ken Rieder performing in tandem.
Pilots Adam Baker and Ken Rieder performing in tandem above the Blue Angels.
Pilots Adam Baker and Ken Rieder landing after their performance.
3 Time US National Aerobatic Champion Patty Wagstaff performing her incredible inverted ribbon cutting stunt.
3 Time US National Aerobatic Champion, Patty Wagstaff.
US Navy Lockheed P-3 Orion (left) and its replacement, the Boeing P-8 Poseidon (right). The P-8 replaced the P-3 as the Navy’s anti-submarine and maritime surveillance aircraft in 2019. This year’s airshow marked the last time the P-3 Orion will be flown in a demonstration.
US Navy Lockheed P-3 Orion and the Boeing P-8 Poseidon seemingly blending in this shot.
US Navy Lockheed P-3 Orion coming in for landing after finishing a demonstration.
US Navy Lockheed P-3 Orion.
P-51 Mustang “Fragile but Agile” during takeoff.
P-51 Mustang “Fragile but Agile” demonstrates its raw speed.
Blue Angels number 4 Major Frank Zastoupil taxing his jet for takeoff.
Blue Angels number 5 Lieutenant Commander Cary Rickoff and number 6 Lieutenant Commander Julius Bratton during takeoff.
The Blue Angels flight demonstration team flying in formation.
The Blue Angels in formation.
The Blue Angels flight demonstration team in their signature diamond formation.
Blue Angels performing an opposing knife-edge pass.
Blue Angels number 5 Lieutenant Commander Cary Rickoff and number 6 Lieutenant Commander Julius Bratton performing a move known as Fortus.
A Blue Angel performing a high-speed turn with afterburners on.
A Blue Angel performing a high-speed pass.
The Blue Angels flight demonstration team breaking formation.
The Blue Angels flight demonstration team flying in formation.
The Blue Angels flight demonstration team flying in formation with Jacksonville’s skyline in the background.
Blue Angels number 5 Lieutenant Commander Cary Rickoff and number 6 Lieutenant Commander Julius Bratton in action.
The Blue Angels flight demonstration team flying in formation with Jacksonville’s skyline in the background.
The Blue Angels flight demonstration team performing a delta break-out.
Members of the Blue Angels support team waiving at the crowd as they drive by.
Photo essay by Marcelo Murillo. See more of Marcelo’s work at his website, mamphotox.com.