Air show packs them in
SEELEY — A military aircraft enthusiast for the past 40-plus years, Coventry, England, resident Robert Marriner has traveled the world many times over in pursuit of his interests.
On Saturday, his passion brought him for the first time to the 2018 annual Naval Air Facility El Centro Air Show.
“It’s a hobby, just like some guys are into golf or cars,” Marriner said. “I enjoy (the aircraft) for what they are and the artistry,”
Marriner was but one of the anticipated 55,000 who were expected Saturday for the air show, despite a slight sprinkling of morning rain and lingering clouds.
The free annual air show was also one of three destinations that Marriner and a few companions intended to visit in the coming days in connection to their hobby, including next weekend’s Yuma and Luke Days air shows, in Arizona.
Although Saturday was not the first time that Ken Hedland, of Oregon’s Willamette Valley, had seen the Blue Angles perform, it was his and his fellow snowbirds’ first time visiting the local air show.
Previously, Hedlund had gotten the opportunity to observe the Navy’s premier Flight Demonstration Squadron during an air show in the San Francisco area several years ago, as well as during his nephew’s graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., about six years ago.
Nonetheless, Hedlund said he was looking forward to Saturday’s demonstration.
“I had heard this one was supposed to be a capper,” he said.
Aside from getting to watch the Blue Angels perform, Saturday’s event also provided about a dozen scouts from Boy Scout Troop 65, of Long Beach, the opportunity to honor the military, said Scoutmaster Tom Soto.
“[For] a lot of the kids, their dads and moms have served in the military,” Soto said.
Saturday’s event marked the second time that members of the troop had made the trek from Long Beach to the annual air show. During their visit two years ago, troop members were given the opportunity to camp on base as well as take a tour of the facility.
“We try to come down every few years,” Soto said. Holtville resident Jose Manuel Gomez said he has made it a point to bring his family to the air show both for its entertainment value and to pay homage to those in the armed services.
The U.S. Army veteran and Mexicali native said he owes much of his maturity and sense of patriotism to his eight years in the Army.
“I wanted to serve my adopted country,” Gomez said. “And it made me grow up.”
His 12-year-old daughter, Ixchel Gomez, said she was happy being back at the annual event after a year’s absence. Although she wasn’t sure what to expect during her first visit, it proved to be a memorable experience.
“It was amazing seeing all the planes,” Ixchel said. Besides the aerial performances, which included both vintage and modern aircraft, event-goers also had the opportunity to enjoy numerous interactive military activities as well as stationary aircraft on display.
None proved more popular than the U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon, a 130-foot long anti-submarine warfare aircraft that air show patrons were able to board and walk through. By midday, a line of dozens of people had formed and could be seen snaking its way through the base.
The annual air show has provided such family-friendly activities for its patrons for more than 50 years.
“It is your patriotic support, patient understanding, and hospitality that enable us to ‘train like we fight,’ and the air show is one small way to thank you for your unwavering support of the base and our personnel,” said NAFEC Capt. Brent Alfonzo in a written statement.
“It is your patriotic support, patient understanding, and hospitality that enable us to ‘train like we fight,’ and the air show is one small way to thank you for your unwavering support of the base and our personnel.” NAFEC Capt. Brent Alfonzo