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Long Islanders flocked to Jones Beach this Memorial Day weekend for the 20th annual Bethpage Air Show, headlined by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, just as it was in its inaugural year.
Despite stormy weather, the Blue Angels’ F/A-18 E/F Super Hornets thrilled onlookers at Farmingdale’s Republic Airport when they arrived Thursday morning.
“People came out despite the weather, and their support was appreciated,” said Blue Angels pilot Lieutenant Commander Brian Vaught, a native of Englewood, Colo. Vaught joined the Blue Angels in 2022 and has over 1,500 flight hours.
A special highlight was Farmingdale’s own William Marzillier, selected through the Blue Angels’ Key Influencer Program to fly with them. Marzillier, a Farmingdale School District math teacher specialist, described the experience as surreal.
“The whole experience was amazing, like a dream come true,” Marzillier said. “The precision and professionalism of the Blue Angels were incredible. It was a full-circle moment for me, having dreamt of being a Navy pilot.”
Marzillier flew with Lieutenant Connor O’Donnell in plane #7, hitting up to 7 Gs. “It was a thank you to the community, a way to give back,” Marzillier said.
The Blue Angels had its rehearsal day on Friday, then their performances on Saturday and Sunday — the Sunday show was cut short due to weather conditions.
Scroll down to see photos by Angela Sasso.
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