The world famous U.S. Navy Blue Angels once again wowed the crowds in Jacksonville Beach today.
We got an exclusive look at what it’s like to fly with the Blue Angels.
Action News Jax Lorena Inclan was the only local reporter to fly with the Blues in October 2015.
She shows us what it’s like to feel intense the G-force and supersonic speeds in the ride of her life.
Inclan said when she was invited by Naval Station Mayport to fly with the Blue Angels, she immediately knew it would be a ride she would never forget.
She got to fly in a Combat F-A 18 Hornet, an aircraft that’s been in the Blue Angels fleet for nearly 30 years.
Her pilot was Capt. Jeff Kuss, a Colorado native with serious skills.
He executed several maneuvers including what’s called the Delta roll, which took them on a smooth 360-degree loop.
Then it was time to feel the G-force.
Before taking off, Inclan was briefed on how to do the hick maneuver, which helps keep you from passing out.
The Blue Angels pilots have it down a T—when you’re flying at speeds in excess of 600 mph training and endurance is key.
“As a pilot, when you're down low flying, there's just no room for error so you gotta be very cognizant of that,” Kuss said during the flight.
They maxed out at seven Gs, went full vertical and even did a maneuver that had Inclan out of her seat.
“Alright, squeeze your legs, take a deep breath. Ready, hit it,” Kuss said
The Blues don’t only perform, they are combat pilots. Every maneuver has to be handled with precision and discipline in order to outsmart the enemy.
Inclan said the experience gave her a greater appreciation for what the Blue Angels pilots do—they truly are the world’s best, she said.
Her flight lasted 55 minutes. Despite passing out for a couple of seconds and feeling a bit nauseous afterward—Inclan said she would do it all over again.