Blue Angels pay a visit to the Keys in anticipation of spring air show

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Corrie Mays was a ballerina growing up. She still graces the air, however, but as a naval flight officer. Mays is an events coordinator for perhaps the U.S. Navy's most notable group of air professionals -- the Blue Angels demonstration team.

"I've shared a passion for aviation my entire life," Mays said shortly after landing the Blue Angels No. 7 F/A-18 jet with Navy Lt. Tyler Davies Monday afternoon on the Boca Chica field at Naval Air Station Key West.

The Blue Angels are scheduled to return to Boca Chica Field in April for their semi-annual Southernmost Air Spectacular, a show of aviation skill.

The last time the Blue Angels staged a Key West show was in 2013 -- their second and final show that year because the U.S. government shut down due to budget fights in Congress. The other show was at Naval Air Facility El Centro, Calif.

The Blue Angels squad, based at Naval Air Station Pensacola, was at NAS Key West Monday and Tuesday to work on logistics of this year's show.

"They call it a preseason visit, they basically meet the entire air show committee," NAS Key West spokeswoman Trice Denny said Tuesday. "What they told us today is they try to make every single show exactly the same."

Mays, who has been in the Marines for nine years, loves to fly jets. Her flight training includes rides on a T-6 Texan, T-1 Jayhawk and T-39 Saberliner, to name a few.

She jumped at the opportunity to become a Blue Angel last year and serves as the unit's events coordinator. The application process took about seven months. An applicant typically needs at least 1,250 flight hours.

"This is something I would absolutely love to do," Mays recalled before being selected.

The Blue Angels spend about 300 days a year traveling the country, but Mays said it's not just about the shows, but also community outreach. She said the Blue Angels "inspire a culture of excellence," allowing people to realize their "full potential."

"We're not primarily just concerned with recruiting anymore," she said.

Each Blue Angels show involves maneuvers in six F/A-18 Hornet fighter aircrafts and a C-130 Hercules aircraft. 

The March 2013 show had an estimated 36,000 people attend over two days -- not including those who were watching from outside the base. This year's show is scheduled for April 2 and 3 at the Boca Chica field with the Blue Angels scheduled to go on at 3 p.m. each day. Other events are part of the show.

Denny said gates open at 10 a.m. 

This story was originally published November 25, 2015 at 7:24 AM with the headline "Blue Angels pay a visit to the Keys in anticipation of spring air show."