September 1 , 2005 

Artesia News

Artesia Sailor Redefines Fast-paced Training with the Blue Angels


Story and photos by: PH2 (AW) Johansen Laurel

Soaring though the sky at almost the speed of sound, are four F/A-18 Hornets in a Diamond formation, just 18 inches apart from wing to wing. There's no room for a mistake. How do they do these aerial maneuvers with such precision? Training ... a whole lot of training… and teamwork.

These multi-mission, high performance, tactical aircraft are assigned to the Navy's flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, but it's sailors like Myrabel L. Balina, of Artesia, California, who keep the aircraft in the air and safely able to perform at air shows.

It is a prestigious opportunity to be part of the world-renown Blue Angels (which is why Balina wanted to be a part of the team).

"I put in my application and went through various interviews," said Balina. "I worked hard, made a lot of sacrifices, and next thing you know, I'm working with the team."

The daily routine in the squadron is very intense and challenging. However, it's a challenge Avionics Electronics Technician 2nd Class Petty Officer Balina, the daughter of Lisa Wong of Artesia, is proud to take on.

One of 111 enlisted members who maintain the aircraft. Balina plays a vital role in the squadron to troubleshoot and repair a number of complex electronics systems. Employing all the latest test equipment and procedures, she put her training to use repairing systems such as: communications, navigation, infrared detection radar, laser electronics, fiber optics, and digital computers, as well as installing field changes, alterations and modifications to avionics systems, administrative, and clerical work.

"I'm one of nine electronics technicians in my shop in charge our aircrafts," said Balina. "Besides all my everyday responsibilities, I'm also proud to represent the Navy and Marine Corps to the nation and be one of the good ambassadors for our country."

The Blue Angels is comprised of nine pilots and 118 crewmembers. The team performs more than 35 air shows across the country. Preparation and training is intense but the crew looks forward to the challenge. A Blue Angels flight demonstration exhibits the choreographed refinements of Navy trained flying skills. It includes the graceful acrobatic maneuvers of the four-plane Diamond Formation, in concert with the fast paced, high performance maneuvers of its two solo pilots. Finally, the team illustrates the pinnacle of precision flying, performing maneuvers locked as a unit in the renowned, six-jet Delta Formation.

Barely recovering from last year's show season, the squadron is back on the road for its annual winter training in El Centro, California.

The 10-week winter training concludes in early March after the team completes a minimum of 120 training flights during a rigorous six-day-a-week, three-flights-per-day schedule. An estimated 15 million spectators view the squadron during air shows each year. Additionally, the Blue Angels visit more than 50,000 people during a show season (March through November) to include schools and hospital visits.

(Laurel is a photojournalist assigned to the Public Affairs Center in San Diego)

Click here for the Blue Angels Show Schedule

The Blue Angels are scheduled to be in California in October.

 

 

 

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