WSMV Channel 4 Blue Angels prepare for 2012 air show in Smyrna

Blue Angels prepare for 2012 air show in Smyrna

The Blue Angels haven't touched down at the Smyrna Airport since 2008, but they're back in preparation for the air show next year.

Today, Lt. Commander Todd Royles landed the F-18 Hornet after a 15-minute demonstration.

He said he's honored to be able to fly, and never thought he would end up here after growing up watching the Blue Angels from his parents' Philadelphia home.

"Now it's an honor to be on this side of the table and hopefully provide that same sort of inspiration for the next generation," he said.

They were here to check out the area, research hotels and make sure everything is in order for the air show next Spring.

Smyrna Airport Executive Director John Black, also said he's happy to have them back.

"These are the guys that are out defending our freedom all the time and it's important to bring them into our hometowns and give the kids a chance to meet and greet them up close and see what they can do," Black said. "They're the best of the best."

The Blue Angels will participate in the Great Tennessee Air Show on May 12 and May 13, and will feature many other aerobatic acts.

The Blue Angels will visit all of their 34 stops across the nation before the new year, then it's back to San Diego, Calif., for training.

"It's a privilege for us to be able to drop into some backyards throughout the country that normally don't have Marine CORPS presence, so it's an honor for us to be able to come into your towns to demonstrate the pride-professionalism that all of your men and women do in the service," Royles said.

The Blue Angels represent more than 540,000 deployed sailors and marines around the world, and they participate in air shows like this to show their United States NAVY presence.

For more information about the Great Tennessee Air Show next year and to buy tickets, click here.

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